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

Using scents like green apple or berries will fill your home with a great aroma without compromising on any cleaning. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026

These gorgeous, multi-flowered blooms come in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, and are popular in containers and garden beds thanks to their sweet aroma. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026

Capensis 2023 Silene Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby in the glass, offering aromas of black cherry, Niçoise olive, and a hint of violet. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2026

Winners are selected through blind tasting by a multi-judge panel and evaluated on aroma, flavor, balance, and complexity. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 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