flavor

1 of 2

noun

fla·​vor ˈflā-vər 

1

a(1)

: the quality of something that affects the sense of taste

the spicy flavor of Thai food

(2)

: a particular type of taste

my favorite flavor of ice cream

(3)

: a good or appealing taste

The dish is full of flavor.

b

archaic : odor, fragrance

c

: the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth

the flavor of apples

2

: a substance that flavors

artificial flavors

3

a

: characteristic or predominant quality

the artsy flavor of a neighborhood

b

: a distinctive appealing or enlivening quality

Her performance adds flavor to the show.

4

a

: variety sense 3a

b

: a property that distinguishes different types of elementary particles (such as quarks or neutrinos)

also : any of the different types of particles that are distinguished by flavor

5

: version sense 2

flavors of software

6

: one that is in the center of public attention for a limited time

—usually used in phrases like flavor of the month

flavorful

ˈflā-vər-fəl 

adjective

flavorfully

ˈflā-vər-fə-lē 

adverb

flavorless

ˈflā-vər-ləs 

adjective

flavorsome

ˈflā-vər-səm 

adjective

flavor

2 of 2

verb

flavored; flavoring ˈflā-v(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to give or add flavor to

Synonyms of flavor

Noun

• aura
• aroma
• atmosphere
• smell
• air

Verb

• spice

Examples of flavor in a Sentence

Noun

This dish has an unusual flavor.

the hot, spicy flavors of Mexican food

a dish with unusual flavor

They sell 20 different flavors of ice cream.

Grape is my favorite bubble gum flavor.

The stew is full of flavor.

She added vanilla flavor to the custard.

I like the Italian flavor of the neighborhood.

The film has an avant-garde flavor.

Her performance adds flavor to the show.

Verb

We flavored the cookies with cinnamon.

I flavored the salad with herbs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The varied flavors of Tulum and the wider world are highlighted in the resort’s 11 restaurants and bars. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025

Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, is known for its nostalgic flavors, like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

Verb

The cherry-flavored, spicy soda was given a quirky name to compete with the doctor. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

Pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread, decorated with dough shaped cross-bones, flavored with orange zest and topped with sugar, is often enjoyed on the holiday. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English flavour, modification of Anglo-French flaur, flour, from Vulgar Latin *flator, alteration of Latin flatus breath, act of blowing — more at flatulent

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

1542, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flavor

• aver
• braver
• craver
• favor
• favour
• flavour
• graver
• paver
• quaver
• raver
• saver
• savor

Kids Definition

flavor

noun

fla·​vor

ˈflā-vər

1

a

: the quality of something that affects the sense of taste : savor

b

: the blend of taste and smell sensations caused by a substance in the mouth

2

: a substance added to food or drink to give it a desired taste

3

: characteristic or most noticeable quality

flavor verb

flavored

-vərd

adjective

flavorful

-vər-fəl

adjective

flavorless

-ləs

adjective

Medical Definition

flavor

1 of 2 noun

fla·​vor

variants or chiefly British flavour

ˈflā-vər 

1

a

: the quality of something that affects the sense of taste

condiments give flavor to food

b

: the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth

the flavor of ripe fruit

2

: a substance that flavors

flavored adjective

or chiefly British flavoured

-vərd 

flavor

2 of 2 transitive verb

variants or chiefly British flavour

flavored or chiefly British flavoured; flavoring or chiefly British flavouring ˈflāv-(ə-)riŋ 

: to give or add flavor to