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

Zegna’s new fragrance line, Memorie, is shaped by place, ritual and intention.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 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

WSJ: What are some fragrance designs the company recently developed from trends seen on TikTok, such as perhaps your tomato-driven fragrance?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Another store innovation involves offering consumers personal, curated fragrance experiences rather than just selling through price.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

The red dirt beneath her feet seemed to hum, and the collective smells around her formed a fragrance of their own.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray