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

aromaticity

2 of 2

noun

aro·​ma·​tic·​i·​ty ˌa-rə-mə-ˈti-sə-tē  ˌer-ə- 

ə-ˌrō-

plural -es

1

: aromatic quality

2

: the quality of being or resembling a member of the aromatic class of chemical compounds

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

Set in the palace's former stables, the spa relaxes with a gorgeous indoor pool and aromatic treatments. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Count on the strong aromatic oils of oregano (Origanum vulgare) to naturally repel aphids, spider mites, thrips, and beetles around your pepper plants. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026

Cygnet 22 and its sibling, Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin, are pot distilled at Copperworks using the vapor infusion method, which is ideal for getting the most out of delicate floral botanicals like lemon balm and rose petal, and producing a light, aromatic gin. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 June 2026

The nose is rich and intensely aromatic, with roasted agave, fig, orange zest, herbal mint, and floral notes, plus hints of pepper and minerality. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 30 May 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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th 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