1
a
: a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ : scent
b
: a sensation resulting from adequate stimulation of the olfactory organ : smell
2
a
: a characteristic or predominant quality : flavor
the odor of sanctity
b
: repute, estimation
in bad odor
3
archaic : something that emits a sweet or pleasing scent : perfume
odored adjective
odorless adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for odor

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of odor in a Sentence

The cheese has a strong odor. This deodorant prevents bad odor from occurring.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, hormonal changes, certain foods and even shifting weather patterns have all been shown to trigger headaches, especially in those prone to migraine attacks. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 The collection includes a Glycolic Serum Wash, a hydrating Cleansing Oil, a vulva-safe Whole Body Wash and an Ultra Gentle Balm—all developed with OB/GYN and dermatologist expertise to address dryness, odor, sensitivity and odor shifts. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 However, O'Connor says your curtains and drapes still collect dust, pet dander, cooking odors, and other airborne particles that can affect indoor air quality. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025 After running the unit, our tester noticed a clear reduction in odors and airborne particles, although the improvement felt more noticeable when standing closer to the purifier. Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English odour, borrowed from Anglo-French odur, borrowed from Latin odor (early Latin odōs), going back to *od-os-, s-stem derivative of a verbal base *od- (whence Latin oleō, olēre, also olō, olere "to give off a smell, smell (of)," from *odere), going back to Indo-European *h3ed-, whence Greek ózein "to smell, give off an odor," Armenian hot "smell, odor" (probably also an s-stem), Lithuanian úodžiu, úosti "to smell, sniff"

Note: The length in the Baltic form is attributed to Winter's Law, which is believed to lengthen vowels before an original voiced, unaspirated stop in Baltic and Slavic in certain environments.

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of odor was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odor. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

odor

noun
: the quality of something that stimulates the sense of smell : scent
also : a sensation resulting from such stimulation
odorless adjective

Medical Definition

odor

noun
variants or chiefly British odour
1
: a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ : smell
2
: a sensation resulting from adequate chemical stimulation of the olfactory organ
a disagreeable odor
odored adjective
or chiefly British odoured
odorless adjective
or chiefly British odourless

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!