What does aromatise mean?
To aromatise is to give something a pleasant or distinctive smell — typically by adding herbs, spices, or other fragrant ingredients. The verb is used chiefly in cooking and drink-making: a cook might aromatise olive oil with garlic, or a distiller might aromatise a spirit with botanicals. It can also apply more broadly to perfuming a room or scenting a product. The word derives from "aroma," which traces back through Latin to the Greek "arōma," meaning fragrant spice or seasoning. British English spells the verb "aromatise," while American English prefers "aromatize." Closely related words include the adjective "aromatic" and the noun "aromatherapy," both sharing the same root. Because it describes intentional, craft-like enhancement of scent, the verb carries a refined, almost artisanal connotation. It is a useful word for anyone writing about cuisine, perfumery, or sensory experience, capturing precisely the act of transforming something neutral into something fragrant.
verbTo give a pleasant or distinctive smell to something; to perfume or flavour with an aroma.
- To impart a pleasant aroma or fragrance to something, especially food or drink.
"The chef aromatised the oil with rosemary and garlic before drizzling it over the bread."
"The winemaker aromatised the vermouth with wormwood and citrus peel."
"A sprig of thyme was added to aromatise the simmering stock."
Before modern perfumers, cooks were the great aromatisers — infusing oils, wines, and vinegars with herbs long before the word had a name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of aromatise
"Aromatise" comes from the noun "aroma," borrowed from Latin "arōma," itself taken from Greek "arōma," meaning fragrant substance or spice. The verb was formed with the suffix "-ise" (Greek-derived, via French "-iser"), following the common pattern of turning nouns into verbs of transformation. Its American counterpart, "aromatize," uses the parallel "-ize" suffix. Related derivatives from the same root include "aromatic" and "aromatherapy."
Related word forms
How aromatise is actually used
The spelling "aromatize" (with -z-) is standard in American English, while "aromatise" (-s-) is the usual British spelling. The verb is most often encountered in culinary and beverage contexts, such as describing infused oils, flavoured wines, or scented dishes. It carries a positive connotation, implying deliberate enhancement rather than mere masking of odours.
Easily confused with aromatise
"Aromatic" is an adjective describing something that has a pleasant smell, while "aromatise" is a verb meaning to give something that smell.