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
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The Tequila is floral and aromatic, featuring aromas of cooked and fresh agave, enhanced by a subtle floral sweetness and tropical fruit notes, especially banana, guava, and pineapple.—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 For the most delicious variety, food enthusiasts should follow the aromas to the most concentrated locations with bold gastronomic ambitions.—AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025 The narrow opening doesn’t let the aromas really shine.—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2025 Washington Avenue teemed with tempting aromas from some of the 50-plus restaurants and food vendors assembled for the event, which typically draws more than 300,000 attendees over four days.—Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
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
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