aromatic

American  

[ar-uh-mat-ik] / ˌær əˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.

2. Chemistry. of or relating to an aromatic compound or compounds.

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noun

1. a plant, drug, or medicine yielding a fragrant aroma, as sage or certain spices and oils.

2. aromatic compound.

aromatic British  

/ ˌærəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. having a distinctive, usually fragrant smell

2. (of an organic compound) having an unsaturated ring containing alternating double and single bonds, esp containing a benzene ring; exhibiting aromaticity Compare aliphatic

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noun

1. something, such as a plant or drug, giving off a fragrant smell

aromatic Scientific  

/ ăr′ə-măt′ĭk /

1. Relating to an organic compound containing at least one benzene ring or similar ring-shaped component. Naphthalene and TNT are aromatic compounds.

2. Compare aliphatic

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Other Word Forms

• aromatically adverb
• aromaticness noun
• nonaromatic adjective
• nonaromatically adverb
• unaromatic adjective
• unaromatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of aromatic

1325–75; Middle English aromatyk (< Middle French ) < Late Latin arōmaticus < Greek arōmatikós. See aroma, -ic

Example Sentences

Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’ didn’t do as well as the other sages and was too aromatic for his taste.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Herbs: Specifically, thyme, tarragon and rosemary — aromatic herbs that go well in almost any savory dish.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

For many years, chemists knew of only one silicon based aromatic compound.

From Science Daily • Feb. 24, 2026

“The aromatic, spicy blend paired with local cow cheese truly embodies the country’s unique culinary culture,” says Soh.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

It smelled like Babulya’s most delectable tinctures, when she took the most aromatic of her plants and stewed them into good magic.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• fragrant
• perfumed
• pungent
• savory
• scented
• spicy
• sweet