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
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This stunning wine is salmon colored in the glass with enticing aromas of apple, cherry blossom, and honeysuckle.—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 29 May 2025 That’s all thanks to the Maillard reaction, which occurs when sugars interact with the amino acids of proteins to create new, delicious flavors and aroma compounds, and also heightens the umami.—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025 Everyone really does gravitate toward nostalgia, memory-inducing aromas, and especially those that evoke reminders from summers past.—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025 The international cocktail destination is leveling up non-alc drinking through clever experimentation centering aroma, flavor, and texture.—Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
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
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