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. introften foll byof to possess the taste or smell (of)
2. introften foll byof 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

Derived Forms

• ˈsavourless, adjective
• ˈsavorous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of savour¹

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

Example Sentences

Joe's conclusion from his experience as a disembodied soul is to savour every remaining moment of the earthly life he regains at the end of the film.

From Salon

However, benefits should be distributed a little at a time, so that they may be fully savoured.

From Literature

Obviously, I love reading books where I am savouring every sentence.

From The Guardian

To really appreciate the joy of food you have to embrace its transience, to accept it will pass and to savour without clinging.

From The Guardian

Great to watch with all the family, or the grownups can savour it all on their own.

From The Guardian