fragrance

American  

[frey-gruhns] / ˈfreɪ grəns /

noun

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.

Related Words

See perfume.

Etymology

Origin of fragrance

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

Example Sentences

There are moments when guests will get a whiff of a fragrance that pairs with the storyline.

From Los Angeles Times

In February, Puig cautioned that it expects growth in the fragrance market to level off this year following a boom of perfume sales after the pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company went public in 2024 and its shares have significantly underperformed since then, in part because of sluggish fragrance demand.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oil-based substances can include lab-made fragrances, propellants that push spray deodorant out of the can, and stabilizing ingredients that help keep everything mixed evenly.

From The Wall Street Journal

No Bride of Haarlem tree filled the air with fragrance; only the stump had been too big to haul off for firewood.

From Literature