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

Holland also has a Prada fragrance, Paradigme, and founded the nonalcoholic beer company, Bero.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 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

The Swiss company’s fragrance segment is still leading, but its taste division is slowly recovering with a more favorable base in the second half of the year, Hasanaj says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 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

Hazel found herself lying down on the cushioned white bench that sat among them, and their fragrance reached up to welcome her.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

The UK government regulates phthalates as hazardous chemical substances but they are used in cosmetics, fragrances and food packaging.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Hugo Boss, which offers apparel, footwear and fragrances in the accessible-luxury segment, posted a net profit of 249 million euros in 2025.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

The cosmetics and fragrances retailer’s sales rose 11% in the fiscal first quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

Once you start diving into the history and psychology of fragrances, she says “you begin to question what you actually like versus what marketing people are telling you to enjoy.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

In spite of himself there rose in his mind the image of a golden-brown bulti fish, crisp without and succulent within, served on a platter and giving off fragrances sweeter than the lotus.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw