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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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