aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

1

a

: a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell

the aroma of freshly-baked bread

broadly : odor

b

: the odor of a wine imparted by the grapes from which it is made

The wine has a fruity aroma.

2

: a distinctive quality or atmosphere : flavor

the sweet aroma of success

Synonyms

• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Choose the Right Synonym for aroma

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of aroma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flavors feature aromas with nuances of chocolate crème brûlée, ripe banana, and pineapple drenched in caramel sauce. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

This crisp white wine displays floral aromas and flavors of pear and golden apples with bright acidity and a touch of mineral on the finish. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

For example, try stirring your coffee with a cinnamon stick to intensify the aroma, or, sprinkle ground cinnamon over chia pudding or oatmeal to enhance the grains’ floral notes. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

The rich aroma of tobacco evokes a room with worn leather chairs, towering bookshelves, and dark wood accent Find it on Amazon This Kari Gran Essential Peptide Serum Is Anti-Aging Help your friend reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this essential peptide serum from Kari Gran. —Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aromat "fragrant substance, as a spice or ointment," borrowed from Anglo-French aromat, aromant "balm," borrowed from Latin arōmat-, arōma "fragrant substance, spice," borrowed from Greek arōmat-, árōma, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell

the aroma of coffee