aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce aroma (audio)
Synonyms of aromanext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bright, medium purple; rich aromas of black currant, black licorice, peppercorn, mocha and graphite. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The citrus notes are powerful and sharp; Joseph tasted calamansi and lemon zest, Kelsey tasted zingy lime, editorial operations manager Kate Kassin mentioned aromas of orange peel. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025 Hand-selected by Distiller David Bock, this latest release was aged a minimum of ten years and boasts the rich aromas of leather, plums, and a hint of apple. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 July 2025 Infused with vitamin E and notes of the hearty meal, the spherical lip products emit the unmistakable aroma, as if the food itself had touched the lips. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 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

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of aroma was in 1788

Rhymes for aroma

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Browse Nearby Words

a roll of the dice
aroma
aromadendrene
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Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aroma. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

aroma

noun
aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce aroma (audio)
: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
the aroma of coffee

More from Merriam-Webster on aroma

Nglish: Translation of aroma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aroma

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