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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Expect Cycladic charm with whitewashed walls and warm natural textures, all surrounded by aromas of thyme and lavender.—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025 Because butter’s subtle flavor can readily take on strong aromas, store butter away from pungent foods, such as onions, citrus, or herbs.—Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025 Rombauer is justly famous for its ripe, seductive Chardonnays, with plenty of aroma, vanilla and a long finish that promises to be even better in a year or two.—John Mariani, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Logos and signs plastered with red and gold — lucky colors in Chinese tradition — brighten the otherwise gray exteriors while aromas of Peking duck come from an on-site canteen.—David Culver, CNN, 18 Jan. 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
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