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variants
or less commonly savour
1
: the taste or smell of something
2
: a particular flavor or smell
3
: a distinctive quality
variants
or less commonly savour
savored also savoured; savoring also savouring
ˈsā-vər-iŋ 
ˈsāv-riŋ
: to have a specified smell or quality : smack
1
: to give flavor to : season
Example Sentences
Noun
Without her love, life has lost its savor for me.
a gourmet who can identify the ingredients in any dish solely by their savor
Verb
He savored the aroma of the baking pies.
They savored every last morsel of food.
She was just savoring the moment.
The team is still savoring its victory.
He savored the memories of his vacation.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Sam Boyer, cleveland, 13 Jan. 2023
Set up in the camp’s lodge, the gathering will include tastings, an area to sip spirits and savor smoked meats, indoor and outdoor activities, and music.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2022
Sip and savor, but don’t take too long, as each guest will only have ten minutes to enjoy this mini-bar.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2022
Sit down to savor Priscilla Long’s evocative musings on writing.
—Longreads, 28 Jan. 2022
Ladies, call your besties and join the fun at the next Girls Night Out on Main Street, scheduled for Nov. 17 starting at 5 p.m. Plan to shop, sip, savor and stroll among all of the participating shops and restaurants.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Nov. 2022
Love is an all-consuming indulgence to savor, comparable to the residual morsel of a melty Italian dishful of Caponata.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 24 Oct. 2022
Dress for the occasion and head to The Ritz to dine in the lavish original ballroom or savor treats in the spectacular Thames Foyer of The Savoy.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2022
Not 200 years have passed since St. Patrick converted the island to Christianity, but that’s more than enough time for this religious community to have lost some of its savor and fallen into a comfortable routine.
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2022
Christy Piña, Woman's Day, 30 Jan. 2023
Arlene headed home to savor the bittersweet victory.
—CBS News, 24 Sep. 2022
Here is what to savor one last time this fall before 2024 begins a new era of college football: THE FINAL SEASON OF...
—Mike Rodak | Mrodak@al.com, al, 20 Feb. 2023
But when seeking a second or vacation home, even the most ardent crowd aficionados are likely to savor undiscovered jewels unknown to the teeming masses.
—Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
That also brings us to NFC coach Eli Manning, Peyton's younger brother, who also got to savor the victory over his older sibling.
—Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023
The property is designed with plenty of secluded spots to savor each other’s company including swings, day beds, and plunge pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
—Jordi Lippe, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2023
Those who could, however, were determined to savor one last meal.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2023
For the time being, the family, who have been documenting their journey via their website 5 in the Sky, are taking things day by day, and trying to savor every moment of their incredible journey.
—Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 30 Jan. 2023
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Noun
At intermission, place your final bids for auction items and savor assorted pies and cakes, tea or coffee.
—Sam Boyer, cleveland, 13 Jan. 2023
Set up in the camp’s lodge, the gathering will include tastings, an area to sip spirits and savor smoked meats, indoor and outdoor activities, and music.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2022
Sip and savor, but don’t take too long, as each guest will only have ten minutes to enjoy this mini-bar.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2022
Sit down to savor Priscilla Long’s evocative musings on writing.
—Longreads, 28 Jan. 2022
Ladies, call your besties and join the fun at the next Girls Night Out on Main Street, scheduled for Nov. 17 starting at 5 p.m. Plan to shop, sip, savor and stroll among all of the participating shops and restaurants.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Nov. 2022
Love is an all-consuming indulgence to savor, comparable to the residual morsel of a melty Italian dishful of Caponata.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 24 Oct. 2022
Dress for the occasion and head to The Ritz to dine in the lavish original ballroom or savor treats in the spectacular Thames Foyer of The Savoy.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2022
Not 200 years have passed since St. Patrick converted the island to Christianity, but that’s more than enough time for this religious community to have lost some of its savor and fallen into a comfortable routine.
—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2022
Verb
There's a healthy amount of Irish whiskey in here to keep you toasty, so make sure to savor it slowly.
—Christy Piña, Woman's Day, 30 Jan. 2023
Arlene headed home to savor the bittersweet victory.
—CBS News, 24 Sep. 2022
Here is what to savor one last time this fall before 2024 begins a new era of college football: THE FINAL SEASON OF...
—Mike Rodak | Mrodak@al.com, al, 20 Feb. 2023
But when seeking a second or vacation home, even the most ardent crowd aficionados are likely to savor undiscovered jewels unknown to the teeming masses.
—Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
That also brings us to NFC coach Eli Manning, Peyton's younger brother, who also got to savor the victory over his older sibling.
—Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023
The property is designed with plenty of secluded spots to savor each other’s company including swings, day beds, and plunge pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
—Jordi Lippe, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2023
Those who could, however, were determined to savor one last meal.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2023
For the time being, the family, who have been documenting their journey via their website 5 in the Sky, are taking things day by day, and trying to savor every moment of their incredible journey.
—Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 30 Jan. 2023
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'savor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French savur, from Latin sapor, from sapere to taste — more at sage
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
Time Traveler
The first known use of savor was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing savor
Dictionary Entries Near savor
Cite this Entry
“Savor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savor. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
savor
2 of 2 verb
savored; savoring
ˈsāv-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to have a specified smell or quality
2
: to give flavor to
3
: to taste or smell with pleasure : relish
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