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

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

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

Scented cleaners release terpenes when fragrance compounds evaporate from sprayed droplets or cleaned surfaces.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

Research led by Brandon Boor at Purdue University found that fragrance compounds released by both conventional cleaners and botanical essential oil-based products can rapidly react indoors and generate nanoparticles.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 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

I supposed it seemed that way because the air was still and the fragrance just hung there, concentrated instead of blowing away on the wind.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

For years now, hotels have been spending more and more on signature fragrances to woo and hook guests.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

One feature quickly stood out: many of the products people use to clean and disinfect indoor spaces contain strong fragrances.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026

The fragrances of spring were in the air.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel