aromatic

1 of 2

adjective

ar·o·mat·ic ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik

ˌer-ə-

Synonyms of aromatic next

: of, relating to, or having aroma:

: having a noticeable and pleasant smell : fragrant

aromatic herbs

aromatic wines

: having a strong smell

The peat burns with a pungently aromatic smoke.

: having a distinctive quality

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (such as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatically

ˌa-rə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē

ˌer-ə-

adverb

aromaticity

ˌa-rə-mə-ˈti-sə-tē

ˌer-ə-

ə-ˌrō-mə-

noun

aromatic

2 of 2

noun

: an aromatic plant or plant part

especially : an aromatic herb or spice

: an aromatic organic compound

Choose the Right Synonym for aromatic

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of aromatic in a Sentence

Adjective aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

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.

Adjective

Goodnow Farms Dark Chocolate The floral green Sichuan peppercorns in this velvety treat are more aromatic than numbing, highlighting the herbaceous Peruvian cacao. —

Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024 The whiskey is vibrant and aromatic, with fresh, red fruit notes of cherries, raspberries, and cranberry aromas, reflecting the influence of the Russian River Pinot Noir casks. —

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

My focus is on emphasizing bright acidity and intricate aromatics, which not only pair well with my culture's foods but also enhance ageability. —

Noel Burgess, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 As anyone who has tried kimchi knows, the flavor experience is an explosion of sour, hot, spicy, and—sometimes—sweet thanks to the various healthy aromatics used in the preparation which include garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. —

Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aromatic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aromatyk, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French aromatik, aromatique, borrowed from Late Latin arōmaticus, borrowed from Greek arōmatikós, from arōmat-, árōma "fragrant substance, spice" (of obscure origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

Middle English aromatyke, noun derivative of aromatyk aromatic entry 1

Note: Compare Anglo-French aromatic "aromatic drink," Medieval Latin arōmaticus "kind of fragrant tree," Latin arōmaticum "fragrant eye ointment" (attested in an inscription).

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of aromatic was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatic. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

aromatic

adjective

ar·o·mat·ic

ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik

: of, relating to, or having aroma

aromatic noun

Medical Definition

aromatic

1 of 2 adjective

ar·o·mat·ic ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik

: of, relating to, or having a smell or odor

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatic

2 of 2 noun

: an aromatic plant, drug, or medicine

: an aromatic organic compound

Last Updated: 20 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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aromatic

adjective

noun

Synonyms

Examples of aromatic in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near aromatic

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition