savor

especially British, sa·vour

[sey-ver]

noun

1. the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.

   Synonyms: fragrance, scent, odor, smack, relish

2. a particular taste or smell.

3. distinctive quality or property.

4. power to excite or interest.

5. Archaic.,  repute.

verb (used without object)

1. to have savor, taste, or odor.

2. to exhibit the peculiar characteristics; smack (often followed byof ).

   His business practices savor of greed.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a savor to; season; flavor.

2. to perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish.

   to savor the garden's odors.

3. to give oneself to the enjoyment of.

   to savor the best in life.

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• savorer noun
• savoringly adverb
• savorless adjective
• savorous adjective
• outsavor verb (used with object)
• unsavored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of savor¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; (noun) Middle English sav(o)ur, from Old French savour, from Latin sapōrem, accusative of sapor “taste,” derivative of sapere “to taste” ( sapient ); (verb) Middle English sav(o)uren, from Old French savourer, from Late Latin sapōrāre, derivative of sapor

Synonym Study

See taste.

Example Sentences

We visited for brunch, a smaller menu than dinner, but every dish was worth savoring.

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And they didn’t come just to catch an opera and savor the Sachertorte.

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But I also took the time to savor the pregnancy.

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Some fans are slipping in between those still sitting on the grass, savoring their rest before Roan starts up her set.

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Despite his neurological torments, he savors the wonderful things that have happened to him and the career he has enjoyed.

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Related Words

• appreciate 
• luxuriate in www.thesaurus.com
• relish 
• revel in www.thesaurus.com
• sip 
• smell 
• taste