fragrance

American  

[fray-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

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Etymology

Origin of fragrance

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

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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

Many rose varieties have a fragrance but Wong also suggests choosing plants with scented leaves for when flowers are not in bloom.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Vanillin is the main flavor and fragrance compound found in natural vanilla pods.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

The current controversy began in May and June, when the Oakland-based law firm Cole & Van Note filed a series of class-action lawsuits representing California hotel customers with fragrance sensitivities and targeting major hotel chains.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

Sit in a fog of fragrance long enough and your nose stops noticing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

I smelled it and its fragrance was sweet.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

The findings suggest that a compound commonly associated with desserts and sweet fragrances could eventually contribute to an entirely different field: helping scientists develop better ways to protect damaged tissue and support healing.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

This breakthrough has been particularly important in developing pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances and new materials.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

One California law firm says yes, and has filed a barrage of lawsuits this year, targeting hotels in California and elsewhere over synthetic fragrances in common areas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026

His house was detached from those around it, surrounded by flowers that bloomed in splendid colors and overwhelming fragrances.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

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