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

Presented by Carolina Herrera For those drawn to hyper-femme perfumes, Carolina Herrera fragrances are often a popular choice—the range remains a crowd-pleaser for lovers of sweet, floral, and bold aromas. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

The 2020 Gran Vino has aromas of kiwi, gooseberry, and white peach. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026

At the intimate, reservations-only Sala Gaspare, named for Campari’s founder, the drinks reimagine the aromas and ingredients that make up his iconic bitter. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Their texture and aroma stand up to the cheese, walnuts and creamy buttermilk dressing. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 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