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

Wild beavers went extinct in the UK around 400 years ago, as humans hunted them for their fur, meat and scent gland secretions, which have a musky, vanilla-like fragrance and were used as food flavoring and in perfumes. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

Their showy blooms come in a rainbow of colors and carry a subtle floral fragrance. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Launched in 1983 and operated by the Omani Sabco Group, the brand is known for its highly concentrated fragrances, which retail for $550 per 100-ml. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

Matthieu Befve, head of fine fragrance at Givaudan North America, told Cosmopolitan that consumers are chasing a feeling, not a logo. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

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