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

My 13-year-old has a medicine cabinet full of cologne and was way more excited about our new Harry’s fragrances than any other product we’ve made.

From The Wall Street Journal

It recently installed scent diffusers with its Fresh Balsam fragrance in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal to accompany its messaging for four weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Summer blooms on the abelia will fill the space with a delicate fragrance.

From Seattle Times

AP: Despite your many hats of being an entrepreneur, a DJ, having 30 fragrances and a billion-dollar business — you still get labeled as a socialite.

From Seattle Times

At a time when most names for girls suggested a delicate fragrance or beautiful flower, Zhong-Yi's name for his daughter translated to “strong hero.”

From Scientific American