savour

/ ˈseɪvə /

noun

1. the quality in a substance that is perceived by the sense of taste or smell

2. a specific taste or smell

   the savour of lime

3. a slight but distinctive quality or trace

4. the power to excite interest

   the savour of wit has been lost

5. archaic,  reputation

verb

1. to possess the taste or smell (of)

2. to have a suggestion (of)

3. (tr) to give a taste to; season

4. (tr) to taste or smell, esp appreciatively

5. (tr) to relish or enjoy

Other Word Forms

• savourless adjective
• savorous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of savour¹

C13: from Old French savour, from Latin sapor taste, from sapere to taste

Example Sentences

The 35-year-old George said while it was important the current England side savoured Saturday's success, they needed to refocus ahead of next weekend's Autumn Nations Series finale against Argentina at Twickenham.

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"Any Premier League win is savoured regardless of where you are," he said.

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Rafik Khezmadji, 37, says he comes to Costa because it's close to work, but he also enjoys being able to sit outside and savour his coffee.

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The sound of The Kaiser Chiefs' "I Predict A Riot" belted out and the old place rocked to its foundations as it savoured Premier League victory again.

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Others urge tea drinkers to be careful about how much they use, and to savour matcha in its purest form rather than as an ingredient in recipes.

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