fragrance

noun

fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s How to pronounce fragrance (audio)
Synonyms of fragrance
1
a
: a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume)
b
: something (such as a perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor
2
: the quality or state of having a sweet odor

Synonyms of fragrance

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fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor.

fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Examples of fragrance in a Sentence

a flower with a lovely fragrance the fragrance of lilac trees in full bloom
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.
According to the Spate Popularity Index, gourmand fragrances saw an 85% year-over-year increase in popularity in 2026. — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026 The launch is the inaugural step in Shiseido’s bigger strategy of building a credible reputation in fragrances for Max Mara, as executives teased other launches are on the way. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 Price cuts and pricey brands Companies known for affordable luxury including Tapestry, Estee Lauder and Birkenstock reported strong results on demand for apparel, bags, and fragrances priced well above $100. — Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Then there are the subtle vanilla notes like those found in Orb Oils’s Lenny fragrance, matcha in Le Labo’s, or, say, Flamingo Estate’s Prinsesstårta roll-on captures notes of marzipan like a slice of Sant Ambroeus Princess cake. — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrance

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragrance was in 1667

Browse Nearby Words

Fragonard
fragrance
fragrancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fragrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragrance. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fragrance

noun
fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s How to pronounce fragrance (audio)
: a sweet, pleasant, and often flowery or fruity smell

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrance

Nglish: Translation of fragrance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fragrance

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