odour
Americannoun
noun
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the property of a substance that gives it a characteristic scent or smell
-
a pervasive quality about something
an odour of dishonesty
-
repute or regard (in the phrases in good odour, in bad odour )
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of odour
C13: from Old French odur, from Latin odor; related to Latin olēre to smell, Greek ōzein
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Questions had been mounting since the 8 September discovery of the 14-year-old's remains in a Hollywood tow yard after authorities received reports of a foul odour coming from the vehicle.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
As Nolso opens the door, a rancid odour escaped.
From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026
"Increased odour is an ongoing concern," it said.
From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026
The business came under investigation after reports of a foul odour coming from the property.
From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026
The wind was chilly and yet heavy with an odour of cold decay.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
