fragrance

noun

fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s 

1

a

: a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume)

b

: something (such as a perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor

2

: the quality or state of having a sweet odor

Synonyms of fragrance

• scent
• aroma
• perfume
• fragrancy

Choose the Right Synonym for fragrance

fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor.

fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Examples of fragrance in a Sentence

a flower with a lovely fragrance

the fragrance of lilac trees in full bloom

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, this scent is so refreshingly different, our editors gave it a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award for Best Body Mist— so your favorite fragrance lover should get in it, too. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

The 3,358-square-foot store carries men’s and women’s bags, ready-to-wear, shoes and small leather goods, as well as eyewear, jewelry, fragrance and travel collections. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

Nautica Voyage Eau De Toilette This best-selling cologne is a solid everyday fragrance that smells clean and not too mature. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025

Brassica oleracea Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Loam, sand Soil pH: Neutral Gardenias are the perfect shrub to add a lovely fragrance and snow-white blooms to the garden. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

fragrance

noun

fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s 

: a sweet, pleasant, and often flowery or fruity smell