1 redolent | Definition of redolent

redolent

adjective
red·​o·​lent | \ ˈre-də-lənt 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

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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

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.

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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

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More Definitions for redolent

redolent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of redolent

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

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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

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