fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
: having a sweet or pleasant smell
fragrantly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for fragrant

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 fragrant in a Sentence

The soup was fragrant with herbs and spices. the balsam fir is a favorite as a Christmas tree because it is so fragrant
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its cuisine is fragrant, bold, and poetic, a feast of simmered stews and grilled meats, gently spiced, overlaid with bright and sour harmonics from fresh herbs and tart, fruity vinegars. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025 The showy, fragrant blooms provide an important early source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025 The nose features distinctive aromas of ripe fruits and sweet jam, followed by fragrant spices that evoke mulled wines and spirits of the holiday season. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Serve the cozy meal with yogurt and maybe some Indian pickle on the side, and then be sure to stash any leftovers in the fridge for a fragrant lunch the next day. Melissa Clark, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragrant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin fragrant-, fragrans, from present participle of fragrare to be fragrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragrant was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragrant. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective
fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
: having a sweet or agreeable smell
fragrantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!