aromatic

adjective
ar·​o·​mat·​ic | \ ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce aromatic (audio) , ˌer-ə-\

Definition of aromatic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or having aroma:
a : having a noticeable and pleasant smell : fragrant aromatic herbs aromatic wines
b : having a strong smell The peat burns with a pungently aromatic smoke.
c : having a distinctive quality
2 of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (such as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds — compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatic

noun

Definition of aromatic (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an aromatic plant or plant part especially : an aromatic herb or spice
2 : an aromatic organic compound

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from aromatic

Adjective

aromatically \ -​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce aromatically (audio) \ adverb
aromaticity \ ˌa-​rə-​mə-​ˈti-​sə-​tē How to pronounce aromaticity (audio) , ˌer-​ə-​ , ə-​ˌrō-​mə-​ \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for aromatic

Synonyms: Adjective

ambrosial, fragrant, perfumed, redolent, savory (also savoury), scented, sweet

Antonyms: Adjective

fetid, foul, malodorous, noisome, putrid, rancid, rank, reeking, reeky, skunky, smelly, stenchful, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Choose the Right Synonym for aromatic

Adjective

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

Examples of aromatic in a Sentence

Adjective

aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

When the mixture is aromatic and thickened, remove from heat and stir in fish sauce and lime juice for a hit of brightness and funk. Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "Go Ahead and Fill Up on This Fiery Cashew Dip," 26 July 2019 Both are highly aromatic and known to be prominent in ancient incense burning. Matt Simon, WIRED, "These Ancient Peoples Smoked the Chronic at Funerals," 12 June 2019 Inspired by the kabobs and keftes of the Middle East, these meatballs include aromatic spices and a dip. Genevieve Ko, Twin Cities, "The tastiest way to use up all your herbs (and it’s not pesto)," 18 July 2019 Other interesting whites included the 2017 Occhipinti SP68 Bianco ($30), made chiefly from the aromatic Zibibbo grape by superstar producer Arianna Occhipinti in the warm Vittoria region of southeast Sicily. Lettie Teague, WSJ, "Sicily’s Under-the-Radar Whites: Great Wines If You Can Get Them," 11 July 2019 The wine is a pale magenta color and has an aromatic set of sweet-tart redcurrants and smoked sturgeon. Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive.com, "Columbia Gorge wineries release Eagle Creek Fire pinot noirs to raise funds for restoring hiking trails," 11 July 2019 Head over to Silk Road Chai Shop (whose chais refreshingly favor aromatic spices over cloying sweetness) just off the Boulevard on Alma Street for a reading ($1-$2 per minute) from a rotating group of local seers. Brian Coyne, SFChronicle.com, "One Day, One Place: Mount Shasta, California," 11 July 2019 Twigs from other trees, especially aromatic trees that freshen the mouth, are used in different cultures. Josefine Hirschfeld, CNN, "Not everyone uses a toothbrush to clean their teeth -- here's what science says about the alternatives," 9 July 2019 Go for poached eggs made aromatic with the Mexican epazote leaf but stay for the bread basket featuring Panadería Rosetta’s finest: chocolate-vanilla conchas and guava rolls stuffed with creamy ricotta. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, "An Insider’s Guide to Colonia Juárez, Mexico City’s Hottest Neighborhood," 3 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Instead of straining the sauce restaurant-style, Dimayuga spoons all its aromatics over the fish and welcomes guests to enjoy them. Los Angeles Times, "Banana Leaf Grilled Fish With Habanero Beurre Blanc," 24 July 2019 Add the cobs and a handful of aromatics (like herbs and black peppercorns), cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, "What You Need to Know to Make the Most of Corn Season," 11 July 2019 Pricing of the aromatics chain - which includes paraxylene (PX) and PET bottle resin- have been falling since early April. Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, "Could petrochemicals be entering a down cycle?," 25 June 2019 India Oven concentrates on Northern Indian food, a style that favors aromatics over feeling the burn. Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "Review: India Oven brings the heat on West Avenue," 12 July 2018 For beers, try the aromatic Feast Like a Sultan IPA, or make a selection from the new Shakedown Series, such as the Shakedown Strawberry Ale that’s similar to a strawberry milkshake. Lisa Davis, chicagotribune.com, "Bismarck beckons with revitalized downtown, new breweries — and butterhorns," 14 May 2018 Here's how to create your own bourbon flavor tasting wheel: There are 5 sources of flavor in Woodford Reserve: Grain, wood, spice, sweet aromatics, and fruit and floral. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "A bourbon tasting game will amp up your Kentucky Derby party," 11 Apr. 2018 The liquid and aromatics are fused into the kind of rich, complex sauce that professional chefs used to spend decades learning to achieve. Julia Moskin, charlotteobserver, "The art of the beef stew | Charlotte Observer," 10 Apr. 2018 And given that Raekwon is a fan of mahi tacos, Bricker made mahi ceviche tostadas, marinating the fish in coconut cream, lime juice, and a fair share of Thai aromatics (including keffir lime, ginger, and garlic). Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "Raekwon’s SXSW Pool Party Is Spring Cookout Inspiration," 19 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aromatic.' 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 aromatic

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for aromatic

Adjective

see aroma

Noun

see aroma

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for aromatic