fragrance

American  

[frey-gruhns] / ˈfreɪ grəns /

noun

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.

Related Words

See perfume.

Etymology

Origin of fragrance

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

Example Sentences

Part of what has boosted the industry is younger generations’ penchant for “fragrance wardrobes,” with a scent to suit every mood, rather than the one or two signature perfumes favored by older generations.

From MarketWatch

The house of beauty and fragrance brands on Thursday posted a loss of $126.9 million, or 14 cents a share, compared with a profit of $20.4 million, or 2 cents a share, a year earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said that its “consumer-facing” investments included opening new retail locations for its luxury fragrance brands while closing some of its MAC and Origins locations.

From MarketWatch

AI tools have helped Procter & Gamble create new scents for body washes, laundry beads and home fragrances.

From The Wall Street Journal

As part of the reboot, it moved cosmetics and fragrances from the ground floor, where they had resided since the store opened, to the second floor.

From The Wall Street Journal