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

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

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 2024, the fragrance category once again outdid itself. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024

The scents, unveiled this fall at the company’s new headquarters in Muscat, were developed by a quartet of some of the fragrance world’s most accomplished perfumers. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

And while Trump isn’t in legal trouble for using first lady Jill Biden's image to sell perfume, he’s generated new questions about the legality of using Jill Biden's image to promote a new fragrance line. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

The Trump fragrance website doesn't describe the actual scents of either the cologne or perfume. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 9 Dec. 2024

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