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
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
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That abundance and ripeness are apparent to us when appraising the wine, which has delicate aromas of cherry, pomegranate, cotton candy, and rose petal. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2026 The cedar tree has a soothing aroma that comes to mind whenever this moniker is used. Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 Get ready for some serious Southwestern aromas to start wafting from your slow cooker. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Herbs and Spices A deep oven drawer might fit all your herb and spice jars in an orderly and easy-to-access fashion, but the warmth generated in this space can mean these seasonings will quickly lose their depth of flavor, aroma, and color. Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026 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

Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aroma. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

aroma

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

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