savory

¹

[ sey-vuh-ree ]

adjective

, more sa·vor·y or (Rare) sa·vor·i·er, most sa·vor·y or (Rare) sa·vor·i·est.

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 sa·vor·ies.

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

²

[ sey-vuh-ree ]

noun

, plural sa·vor·ies.

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

/ 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 Words From

• sa·vor·i·ly adverb
• sa·vor·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of savory¹

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

Origin of savory²

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

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

Pistachios are sold with or without their shells and are available in a range of savory or sweet flavors.

From Salon

As it ferments, N. intermedia takes on an "earthy, floral quality," von Hagn noted, and cooking it provides "a cheesy, deeply savory, mushroom-y flavor and aroma."

From Salon

I grew up eating Kaju katli, but I’ve never seen a savory rendition of the sweet.

From Salon

And how did you blend savory flavors with the design of a classic dessert?

From Salon

When creating the Chicken Katli, we pulled inspiration from Kaju katli and brainstormed ways we could transform the sweet into a savory dish.

From Salon

Related Words

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