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

• 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

There are expressive aromas of bread, pear and yellow plum; medium-full, with a rich, layered mid-palate, there is excellent complexity, significant persistence, brisk acidity and outstanding harmony. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Lavender Tea Lavender is an evergreen, bushy plant native to Mediterranean climates, known for its sweet aroma. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025

That’s because its long-lasting, masculine aroma gives scents structure, warmth, and depth—and there’s plenty of variance between and among its cultivars. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025

Astronauts who have previously visited the ISS have not been shy about the odor on the space station, with many describing it as a one-of-a-kind aroma. —Michael Bartiromo, The Hill, 6 Sep. 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