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

While plants such as peppermint, spearmint, and other scented plants in the mint family will repel squirrels and make your garden less of a tempting dining spot due to their strong aroma, mint is not a long-term solution and will most likely only work for a short period of time. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

What other mythology would even try to accommodate extending necks, water squirters, and intentionally unpleasant aromas? —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 June 2026

Its complexity of flavors and aromas is unique. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 June 2026

The whisky is sweet and enticing on the nose, with aromas of vanilla fudge, toffee, apricot jam, and a touch of fresh barley grist. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

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