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

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

Its fresh and fruity scent features the aroma of roses and blackcurrant leaves. —Maya Polton, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024

Even the tree's putrid aroma emitted at full-bloom hasn't kept it from becoming a go-to ornamental option for developers and landscapers for decades. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024

When selecting berries, aroma, not color, is a sure sign of good flavor, so follow your nose to find the cream of the crop. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024

This hair and body mist has a blend of warm spices and floral notes to create a cozy, inviting aroma that lingers gently in your hair. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024

The tent had that wonderful aroma of Mongolia—of butter and mutton, of dung fires and horses. —Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024

Nearly nine years old, this delightful wine is golden straw colored and has aromas of stone fruits, apricot, and just a touch of white truffle. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024

Over time, Taiwan’s 7-Eleven stores cut the Slurpee and the Big Gulp and focused on local flavors, creating the store’s signature aroma — a potent blend of tea eggs marinated with cinnamon and star anise, fish cakes and roasted sweet potatoes. —Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 20 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