aromatic

1 of 2

adjective

ar·​o·​mat·​ic ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik 

ˌer-ə-

1

: of, relating to, or having aroma:

a

: having a noticeable and pleasant smell : fragrant

aromatic herbs

aromatic wines

b

: having a strong smell

The peat burns with a pungently aromatic smoke.

c

: having a distinctive quality

2

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (such as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatically

ˌa-rə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌer-ə-

adverb

aromaticity

ˌa-rə-mə-ˈti-sə-tē 

ˌer-ə-, 

ə-ˌrō-mə-

noun

aromatic

2 of 2

noun

1

: an aromatic plant or plant part

especially : an aromatic herb or spice

2

: an aromatic organic compound

Synonyms of aromatic

Adjective

• fragrant
• scented

Choose the Right Synonym for aromatic

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of aromatic in a Sentence

Adjective

aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Impossibly juicy to its core, the chicken is served with a clever tofu-mustard sauce that’s tangy, savory, and smooth (not unlike ranch but also definitely not ranch) and a winning, aromatic jiao chili sauce that burns with a sweet heat. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Basil is a no-fuss option for seed-saving, especially aromatic types like Cinnamon Basil Seeds, Hake says. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026

Noun

The restaurant’s menu features contemporary cuisine with a global influence, alongside a cocktail list highlighting herb‑forward, garden‑bright drinks built from house infusions, florals, and unexpected aromatics. — Amy Bizzarri, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026

This allows the aromatics to infuse the cooking liquid, which will adequately season the shrimp. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aromatyk, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French aromatik, aromatique, borrowed from Late Latin arōmaticus, borrowed from Greek arōmatikós, from arōmat-, árōma "fragrant substance, spice" (of obscure origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

Middle English aromatyke, noun derivative of aromatyk aromatic entry 1

Note: Compare Anglo-French aromatic "aromatic drink," Medieval Latin arōmaticus "kind of fragrant tree," Latin arōmaticum "fragrant eye ointment" (attested in an inscription).

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aromatic

• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
• polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon

Rhymes for aromatic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic
• cinematic

Kids Definition

aromatic

adjective

ar·​o·​mat·​ic

ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik

: of, relating to, or having aroma

aromatic noun

Medical Definition

aromatic

1 of 2 adjective

ar·​o·​mat·​ic ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or having a smell or odor

2

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatic

2 of 2 noun

1

: an aromatic plant, drug, or medicine

2

: an aromatic organic compound