savor

American  

[sey-ver] / ˈseɪ vər /

especially British, savour

noun

1. the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.

   Synonyms:

   fragrance, scent, odor, smack, relish

2. a particular taste or smell.

3. distinctive quality or property.

4. power to excite or interest.

5. Archaic. repute.

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verb (used without object)

1. to have savor, taste, or odor.

2. to exhibit the peculiar characteristics; smack (often followed byof ).

   His business practices savor of greed.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a savor to; season; flavor.

2. to perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish.

   to savor the garden's odors.

3. to give oneself to the enjoyment of.

   to savor the best in life.

Spelling

See -or ¹.

Related Words

See taste.

Other Word Forms

• outsavor verb (used with object)
• savorer noun
• savoringly adverb
• savorless adjective
• savorous adjective
• unsavored adjective

Etymology

Origin of savor

First recorded in 1175–1225; (noun) Middle English sav(o)ur, from Old French savour, from Latin sapōrem, accusative of sapor “taste,” derivative of sapere “to taste” ( sapient ); (verb) Middle English sav(o)uren, from Old French savourer, from Late Latin sapōrāre, derivative of sapor

Example Sentences

Previous studies have shown that savoring benefits individuals.

From Science Daily

The drink isn’t available in pill form, and it isn’t meant to be savored.

From The Wall Street Journal

So next time you walk outside or savor a meal, take a moment to appreciate how your senses are working together to help you feel all the sensations involved.

From Science Daily

I pulled out a handkerchief to wipe my brow, and tried to slow my panting, savoring the cool that was blowing in with the rain.

From Literature

The scenic design by Paul Tate dePOO III savors the show’s Grand Guignol flavors while leaving plenty of flexibility for antic comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appreciate
• luxuriate in
• relish
• revel in
• sip
• smell
• taste