redolence

noun

red·​o·​lence ˈre-də-lən(t)s How to pronounce redolence (audio)
1
: an often pungent or agreeable odor
2
: the quality or state of being redolent
Choose the Right Synonym for redolence

fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor.

fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Examples of redolence in a Sentence

breathed in the redolence of the apple orchard the redolence of fir trees always reminds me of Christmas
Recent Examples on the Web The Russian army has focused on, and even mythologized, tank warfare for decades for its redolence of Russian victories over the Nazis in World War II. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2023 This version is especially pared down, relying mostly on the bones, which are boiled over multiple hours to imbue the broth with fatty redolence. New York Times, 13 June 2022 To celebrate the occasion, Green’s son, Grant Green Jr. — a guitarist of cool, unhurried disposition, bearing the striking redolence of his father’s style — leads an all-star band at Jazz Standard. New York Times, 28 June 2018 This new sound often bears the markings of calypso, Afrobeat, grime and drum ’n’ bass, plus the spiritual jazz of the 1960s and ’70s, and an abiding redolence of Indian classical. Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2017 A huge pot bubbles on the stove at the yellow guest house for hours, filling the air with the cloying redolence of burning tires. Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian, 17 Jan. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'redolence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near redolence

Cite this Entry

“Redolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redolence. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

redolence

noun
red·​o·​lence ˈred-ᵊl-ən(t)s How to pronounce redolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being redolent
2

More from Merriam-Webster on redolence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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