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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These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers.—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 The restaurant’s lushly landscaped garden is ready to seat as many as 1,000 customers, and the aromas of cheese enchiladas and fajitas—recipes perfected over 89 years—fill the air.—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025 Breathe in, and let the warm aroma of coffee and red apple accords, soothing lavender essence, and rich sandalwood gently wrap around you.—Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 Sweetened vanilla, calming lavender, or fragrant jasmine and lotus may fill your home with enticing aromas.—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 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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