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

• scent
• aroma
• perfume

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

Bubbly and bright like Glinda, her fragrance includes notes of pink sparkle apple, blush nectarine, and pink pepper, for a charming gourmand scent. —Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025

Rooney Mara, the face of Givenchy’s L’Interdit fragrance, had worn both a Burton design and a dress from 1956 at the Cannes Film Festival, and couldn’t choose between the two. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025

Avoid heavy-duty formulas with dyes or fragrances that may yellow whites over time. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Easily having risen to the top as one of my favorite fragrance brands, Brown Girl Jane launched in 2020 and initially focused on CBD and wellness products before expanding into fine fragrances in 2021. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Oct. 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