aroma

noun

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

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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.
Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness. — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Some residents expressed concerns about pollution, the traffic congestion, the dangers of errant drivers around kids and the lingering aroma of frying food. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 For some its allergies or other upper respiratory issues; for others too much of an aroma causes a headache or worse. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 July 2026 Ideally those notes are balanced by the vegetal, grassy notes of agave, which might blossom into any number of aromas or flavors—citric, floral, herbal, or earthy. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 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

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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