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 of aroma

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy

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

Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay has enticing aromas of cantaloupe melon, white peach, and citrus blossoms that transfer seamlessly to the palate with the addition of verbena, Bartlett pear, and lemon curd. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026

One editor felt the cake was similar to Angel Food cake, while two other editors compared the sweet, nutty aroma of the cake to cornbread. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

Instead of being masked by a flavor that’s reminiscent of movie theater popcorn, modern Chardonnays allow the grape’s natural flavors and aromas, like apple, citrus, papaya, pineapple, and white flowers, to shine. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

Brewed with local Admiral Maltings barley, its aroma is warm toast, and the flavors include cocoa, gentle coffee beans, and malty goodness. —Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for aroma

• diploma
• fibroma
• glaucoma
• glioma
• lipoma
• lymphoma
• myoma
• myxoma
• neuroma
• paloma
• schwannoma
• scotoma

Kids Definition

aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell

the aroma of coffee