What does aromatic mean?
Aromatic describes something having a distinctive and typically pleasing smell, most often applied to herbs, spices, plants, wines, and cooked dishes — as in aromatic basmati rice or the aromatic leaves of rosemary. The word conveys richness and appeal rather than merely the presence of any scent, making it a favorite of cooks, perfumers, and wine writers. It also has an entirely separate technical meaning in organic chemistry, where it denotes compounds containing a stable ring of atoms with delocalized electrons, such as benzene; this usage arose because the first such chemicals studied were derived from fragrant natural substances. As a noun, an aromatic can refer to such a chemical compound, or more loosely to a fragrant plant or substance used in cooking. Whether describing a simmering curry or a molecular structure, aromatic signals character, complexity, and sensory interest.
Having a pleasant, distinctive smell, especially one derived from herbs, spices, or plants.
"The market stalls overflowed with aromatic spices from across Asia."
Almost always positive in register; common in culinary, botanical, and perfumery contexts.
An aromatic compound or substance, especially in chemistry, or a fragrant plant used to add scent or flavor.
"Onions, carrots, and celery are classic aromatics at the base of a French stew."
In chemistry, usually pluralized ('aromatics') to refer to aromatic hydrocarbons as a class.
As a noun, 'aromatics' refers either to fragrant substances (especially in cooking) or, in chemistry, to aromatic hydrocarbons as a class.
"Sauté the aromatics in olive oil until soft before adding the tomatoes."
The word 'aroma' comes straight from ancient Greek — so when you say your coffee is aromatic, you're using two words born over two thousand years apart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of aromatic
Aromatic derives from the Greek 'arōma,' meaning spice or fragrant herb, via the adjective 'arōmatikos.' It passed into Latin as 'aromaticus' before entering English in the late Middle Ages. It shares its root with the English words 'aroma' and 'aromatherapy,' all tracing back to that same Greek origin for fragrant substances.
Related word forms
How aromatic is actually used
'Aromatic' carries a strongly positive connotation when describing food, drink, plants, and perfumes. The chemical sense is technical and unrelated to smell — aromatic hydrocarbons are named for their early association with fragrant resins, though most are odorless.
Easily confused with aromatic
Both describe smells, but 'aromatic' implies a pleasant fragrance, while 'odoriferous' can be neutral and sometimes suggests an unpleasant odor.