Definition of redolent
1 : exuding fragrance : aromatic
2a : full of a specified fragrance : scented air redolent of seaweedb : evocative, suggestive a city redolent of antiquity
redolently
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
redolent was our Word of the Day on 02/03/2013. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of redolent in a Sentence
my grandmother's house always seemed to be redolent with the aroma of baking bread
Recent Examples of redolent from the Web
-
The concrete monastery is appropriately severe, though still redolent of Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye three decades earlier.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'redolent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Redolent traces back to the Latin verb olēre ("to smell") and is a relative of "olfactory" ("of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell"). In its earliest English uses in the 15th century, "redolent" simply meant "having an aroma." Today, it usually applies to a place or thing impregnated with odors. It can also be used of something that reminds us of something else or evokes a certain emotional response, as in "a city redolent of antiquity."
Origin and Etymology of redolent
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin redolent-, redolens, present participle of redolēre to emit a scent, from re-, red- + olēre to smell — more at odor
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of redolent
REDOLENT Defined for English Language Learners
redolent
playDefinition of redolent for English Language Learners
-
: having a strong smell : full of a fragrance or odor
-
: causing thoughts or memories of something
Learn More about redolent
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for redolent Spanish Central: Translation of redolent Nglish: Translation of redolent for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up redolent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!