odorous

[ oh-der-uhs ]

adjective

1. odoriferous.

odorous

/ ˈəʊdərəs /

adjective

1. having or emitting a characteristic smell or odour

Derived Forms

• ˈodorously, adverb
• ˈodorousness, noun

Other Words From

• odor·ous·ly adverb
• odor·ous·ness o·dor·os·i·ty [oh-d, uh, -, ros, -i-tee], noun
• non·odor·ous adjective
• non·odor·ous·ly adverb
• non·odor·ous·ness noun
• pre·odor·ous adjective
• un·odor·ous adjective
• un·odor·ous·ly adverb
• un·odor·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of odorous¹

First recorded in 1540–50, odorous is from the Latin word odōrus “fragrant.” See odor, -ous

Example Sentences

In “The Lady in the Van,” the tragedy of Smith’s odorous squatter Mary Shepherd is revealed only after her surprisingly touching death.

From Los Angeles Times

Politicians helping their weakest opponent — while odorous — makes strategic sense in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Bubbling ponds of effluent form “rivers of odorous waste.”

From Los Angeles Times

Contaminated water has seeped out of Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, forming streams of odorous waste and fumes.

From Los Angeles Times

These hazardous spills have formed bubbling ponds and “ultimately rivers of odorous waste,” according to officials with the SCAQMD.

From Los Angeles Times