savory

¹

[sey-vuh-ree]

noun

plural

savories 

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Satureja, of the mint family, especially S. hortensis summer savory or S. montana winter savory, having narrow leaves used in cooking.

savory

²

especially British, sa·vour·y

[sey-vuh-ree]

adjective

more savory , savorier, most savory , savoriest .

1. having a salty, spicy, or piquant flavor; not sweet.

   Plantains, though they look very similar to bananas, can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, as they take on other flavors really well.

2. having or suggesting the flavor of umami.

   A farmhouse cheddar is combined with Italian black truffles for a distinctive earthy, savory flavor.

3. pleasant or agreeable in taste or smell.

   Savory aromas fill the air as our friendly staff serves up a variety of rich Southwestern dishes.

4. pleasing, attractive, or agreeable.

   The album is a savory blend of jazz and Afrobeat.

noun

plural

savories 

1. British.,  an aromatic, often spicy course or dish served either as an appetizer or as a dessert, as pickled fish or brandied fruit.

savory

/ ˈseɪvərɪ /

noun

1. any of numerous aromatic plants of the genus Satureja, esp S. montana ( winter savory ) and S. hortensis ( summer savory ), of the Mediterranean region, having narrow leaves and white, pink, or purple flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. the leaves of any of these plants, used as a potherb

Other Word Forms

• savorily adverb
• savoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of savory¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English saverei(e), saverai(e); probably an alteration (by influence of savory ¹ ( def. ) ) of Old French sarree, from Old English sætherie from Latin saturēia

Origin of savory²

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English savori; replacing Middle English savure, from Old French savoure, past participle of savourer “to savor”; savor, -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of savory¹

C14: probably from Old English sætherie, from Latin saturēia, of obscure origin

Synonym Study

See palatable.

Example Sentences

“I’ve taken mashed potatoes and turned them into waffles, like savory waffles for my kids,” she said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This savory sugo is wonderful tossed with pasta and a handful of herbs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Over the centuries, gravy shed its sweeter, almond-thickened medieval robes and settled into something recognizably savory, though still wonderfully elastic.

Read more on Salon

The things we keep and use in the kitchen, especially, can conjure powerful memories: aromatic reminders of nurturing care and loving connection as well as less savory bites of deprivation, regret, disappointment and loss.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A welcome contribution to the 5 p.m. rite, this bright-yellow box of 10 savory cheese biscuits pairs perfectly with a chilled Beaujolais. is.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appetizing 
• aromatic 
• delectable 
• fragrant 
• luscious 
• mellow 
• piquant 
• pungent 
• spicy 
• sweet 
• tangy 
• tasty 
• tempting 
• wholesome 

When To Use

What does savory mean?

Savory describes the kind of rich flavor that’s most often associated with foods like meats and roasted vegetables.There are often considered to be five basic taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory, or umami.Separately, savory is the name of several kinds of aromatic herbs of the mint family used in cooking, such as ones known as summer savory and winter savory.In the U.K., the word savory is also used to refer to a fragrant and sometimes spicy course or dish. (Such a dish may or may not be described as savory in the popular sense.)Example: That roasted mushroom dish was so savory—it had such a dark, rich flavor.