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
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The whiskey features aromas of coffee cake, pretzel dough, and marshmallow.—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Gray Wolf Straight Bourbon has rich aromas of maple bar, coffee cake, creamed corn, fresh mint, and baking spices.—Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 The annual pilgrimage to the psychedelic haven known as Austin Psych Fest wrapped up this weekend at the Far Out Lounge, leaving behind a swirling vortex of trippy sounds, fluorescent visuals and a distinct aroma that grew more … earthy as the temperatures climbed.—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Pick one up to get a whiff of its zingy, vegetal aroma.—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
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
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