1 redolent | Definition of redolent
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

redolent

adjective
red·​o·​lent | \ ˈre-dÉ™-lÉ™nt How to pronounce redolent (audio) \

Definition of redolent

1 : exuding fragrance : aromatic
2a : full of a specified fragrance : scented air redolent of seaweed
b : evocative, suggestive a city redolent of antiquity
Other Words from redolent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about redolent

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from redolent

redolently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for redolent

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent. odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant. odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors. a fragrant rose redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors. the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors. an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Did You Know?

Redolent traces back to the Latin verb olēre ("to smell") and is a relative of "olfactory" ("of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell"). In its earliest English uses in the 15th century, "redolent" simply meant "having an aroma." Today, it usually applies to a place or thing impregnated with odors. It can also be used of something that reminds us of something else or evokes a certain emotional response, as in "a city redolent of antiquity."

Examples of redolent in a Sentence

my grandmother's house always seemed to be redolent with the aroma of baking bread

Recent Examples on the Web

 So soothing, so redolent of simpler times (which is sort of my ZIP Code). — Chris Erskine, latimes.com, "Now showing: Drive-in theaters, those beacons of gentle summer nights," 3 July 2019 The finished pickles are slightly salty, redolent with herbaceous Mexican oregano and laced with chipotle smoke, followed by the sharper heat of fresh jalapeño. — SFChronicle.com, "A world tour of pickles in the Bay Area and how to make them," 26 July 2019 David D’Orio’s arsenal, a dozen weapons made of colorful glass, are too redolent of Flash Gordon serials to frighten. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, "In the galleries: Dickson Carroll puts fun and folly in form and function," 21 June 2019 The elegiac score by Lisa Gutkin and Aaron Halva is redolent with the buoyant melancholy of klezmer. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, "Review: ‘Indecent’ at the Ahmanson pays haunting tribute to a daring Yiddish play," 11 June 2019 When Jeffrey Kalinsky opened his eponymous store in New York’s Meatpacking district in the late 90s, the neighborhood was still redolent with the industry that gave it its name. — Olivia Martin, Town & Country, "Silicon Valley Style Gets an Upgrade With the Newest Jeffrey Boutique," 30 Aug. 2018 In a place like Oxford, redolent with history, how can so much history be smothered and lost? — New York Times, "Readers Respond to the 4.29.18 Issue," 11 May 2018 Indeed, the artist’s body isn’t the only one implicated: The allure of shimmery cosmetics, the redolent scents of the kitchen and garden, the promise of silky cleanliness will evoke yearning in most viewers. — Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, "Human desire and exploitation: Don't miss a powerhouse show at the MCA by Otobong Nkanga," 5 July 2018 Located almost exactly in the middle of the peninsula that makes up most of Saudi Arabia, Qassim is redolent with the palms that produce dates consumed all over the country and the world. — Rafia Zakaria, The New Republic, "Driving Toward Change," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'redolent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of redolent

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for redolent

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin redolent-, redolens, present participle of redolēre to emit a scent, from re-, red- + olēre to smell — more at odor

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for redolent

redolent

adjective
How to pronounce redolent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of redolent

literary + formal
: having a strong smell : full of a fragrance or odor
: causing thoughts or memories of something

See the full definition for redolent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on redolent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for redolent

Spanish Central: Translation of redolent

Nglish: Translation of redolent for Spanish Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!