redolence

[ red-l-uhns ]

noun

1. the quality of having a pleasant odor; fragrance:

   The lingering redolence of her perfume filled the air.

2. the quality of smelling like a certain thing (usually used with of ):

   This Pinot Noir has a smoky, savory, and slightly earthy aroma with a redolence of sweet plum and guava.

3. the quality of being suggestive or reminiscent of a certain person or thing, as of someone’s style, work, etc. (usually used with of ):

   Towards the end of the first movement the music takes on a scorching redolence of Shostakovich.

Word History and Origins

Origin of redolence¹

First recorded in 1425–75; redol(ent) ( def ) + -ence ( def )

Example Sentences

I bought a couple to make cocktails with — a common usage for the fruit in its native South America — and marveled at its remarkable redolence, which perfumed my whole kitchen for days.

From New York Times

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.

From New York Times

It was easy to hear some redolence of Ambrose Akinmusire, one of today’s most influential young trumpeters.

From New York Times

A contemporary account noted that the makeshift staging featured gaunt performers – some just released from concentration camps – and the redolence of unexcavated corpses, still trapped beneath the rubble of the burnt-out and roofless theater.

From Los Angeles Times

The first thing that hits me when entering Tenoch for a late lunch, aside from Diana Krall crooning “Popsicle Toes” on the speaker system, is the smoky redolence of roasted Mexican peppers and slow-cooked meat.

From Seattle Times