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

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

Fragrance sales at both prestige and mass retailers have surged during the fourth quarter, Circana said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

In October, Estée Lauder opened a Fragrance Atelier in Paris, with the goal of using advanced technology to help develop new scents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Fragrance experts have claimed that the original Cry Baby Milk is one of the most sought after fragrances ever created.

From Salon • Aug. 12, 2025

Fragrance people are a different breed — obsessive little freaks who are driven by their senses and fall in love with things that are invisible.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

And yes, these are all the scents that, until five minutes ago, made up the Fragrance of Possibility but now reek of crushed dreams.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone