savour

British  

/ 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

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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

• savorous adjective
• savourless adjective

Etymology

Origin of savour

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

Example Sentences

"That's what the rest of my career is all about – to savour these nights," added Higgins.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

For a while, Gonzalo Quesada's side looked on course to give their fans an afternoon to savour in Dublin.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

"We're trying to savour it as much as possible because it's easy to downplay it. But it's been such a long journey that it really means a lot."

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Jorginho gave the visitors a moment to savour when he equalised from the penalty spot.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Bag End seemed a more desirable residence than it had for years, and he wanted to savour as much as he could of his last summer in the Shire.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien