aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

1

a

: a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell

the aroma of freshly-baked bread

broadly : odor

b

: the odor of a wine imparted by the grapes from which it is made

The wine has a fruity aroma.

2

: a distinctive quality or atmosphere : flavor

the sweet aroma of success

Synonyms

• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Choose the Right Synonym for aroma

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of aroma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At high heat, however, the aroma disappears completely, leaving behind a flavor akin to fortune cookies. —Austin Bush, Saveur, 18 Apr. 2024

Light it up to fill your home with a refreshing citrus aroma. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

Garnish: Lee pointed out that the oils of an orange peel expressed over the top works to mask the bacon aroma, which does some additional work to keep the bacon effect subtle. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2024

My sensory memory is impregnated with these kinds of moments of sharing, where the flavors, aromas, and colors of delicious dishes are the protagonists. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Dark ruby color greets the eye, aromas of cherry and plum float from the glass and the sweet, gentle flavors of American oak linger on the palate. —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024

Besides the citrusy aroma, there’s a lot to love about the eco-friendly subscription service, including the reusable spray bottles—and the fact that just a small spritz of multi-surface, all-purpose cleaner is enough to banish grease from your cooktop. —Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 25 Mar. 2024

The soup was boiling hot, and its fragrant, spicy aroma instantly restored my spirits. —Mohammed Naseehu Ali, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024

Her 2020 Cab has aromas of black plum, fennel frond, cigar box, and cassis. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aromat "fragrant substance, as a spice or ointment," borrowed from Anglo-French aromat, aromant "balm," borrowed from Latin arōmat-, arōma "fragrant substance, spice," borrowed from Greek arōmat-, árōma, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell

the aroma of coffee