fragrance

American  

[frey-gruhns] / ˈfreɪ grəns /

noun

• fragrances
  plural

1. the quality of being fragrant; a sweet or pleasing scent.

2. perfume, cologne, toilet water, or the like.

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fragrance British  

/ ˈfreɪɡrəns /

noun

1. a pleasant or sweet odour; scent; perfume

2. the state of being fragrant

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Usage

What does fragrance mean? A fragrance is a pleasant scent, especially a somewhat strong one. Fragrance is especially associated with flowers. The scent of something that smells good is typically called a fragrance or an aroma, while the scent of something that smells bad is typically called an odor. However, fragrance is sometimes used in a somewhat ironic or humorous way to refer to a scent that is strong and not good, as in There’s a strange fragrance coming from the leftovers in the fridge. In the same way, the related adjective fragrant is most commonly used to describe things that have a strong, pleasant scent, as in These flowers are so fragrant. However, the word can also be used in a somewhat ironic or humorous way, as in Your socks are a bit fragrant.  The word fragrance can also be used to refer to the quality of being fragrant, as in This plant food claims to increase the flowers’ level of fragrance. Fragrance can also refer to a perfume or cologne, as in We have a wide selection of fragrances. The word is especially used this way in the marketing of perfumes. Example: I always look forward to springtime, when the fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers is in the air.

Synonym Usage

See perfume.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fragrances
  plural

Etymology

Origin of fragrance

First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Late Latin frāgrantia. See fragrant, -ance

Explanation

A fragrance is a smell, usually a pleasant or sweet smell. Often perfumes are called fragrances. If you like the fragrance of coffee, you like its smell. Unlike the word odor, which usually means a bad smell, fragrances are usually good smells. People love the fragrance of flowers and good food. A specific smell can also be called a fragrance. When celebrities come out with their own perfume, it’s often referred to as a fragrance. Any aroma you enjoy — whether it’s perfume, flowers, or food — can be called a fragrance.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fragrance fragrances

Skin care sales rose 8.7% to $1.85 billion, while fragrance sales jumped 10% to $618 million.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

The set, which includes six scents, is an ode to the renowned Route 66, with each fragrance representing different aspects of California culture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026

Inspired by the Alps of northern Italy, each of the six scents captures a moment, place or object from founder Ermenegildo Zegna’s life, preserving memory through fragrance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Coty said the agreement will allow it to focus on its priority brands, with plans to invest the proceeds from the deal into its core prestige fragrance and beauty portfolio.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

Even now, wisps of the leaves’ cloying fragrance still suffused the air.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

The Banana Republic Global segment provides clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and fragrances.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026

He points to the particular features of their different regions, the local climate and soils that allow them to produce the singular foods, flavors and fragrances the lands are known for.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

These included $4.7m in royalties from Trump-branded watches, along with Trump-branded Bibles, trainers, fragrances and guitars.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

“I like candles,” says Pochettino, who believes they release therapeutic fragrances and create a calming environment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

The fragrances of spring were in the air.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel