odor

noun

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\ ˈō-dər

Definition of odor

1a : a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ : scent

b : a sensation resulting from adequate stimulation of the olfactory organ : smell

2a : 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

Other Words from odor Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About odor

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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 Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 10:21 a.m. call of a natural gas odor at 5726 Highland Hills Road in South Dallas, officials there said Wednesday. — NBC News, 29 Sep. 2021 While investigating the source of the odor, an explosion occurred. — Fox News, 29 Sep. 2021 Try the fast way to get rid of odor from the microwave. — Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2021 Southwest Gas said in an email that technicians arrived in the area on Thursday after receiving a report of an odor, then proceeded to turn off the gas for safety purposes. — Salma Reyes, The Arizona Republic, 11 Sep. 2021 Your skin feels a little sticky and there's a bit of an odor but showering right away is a no-no. — Sara Miranda, Allure, 12 Aug. 2021 But what was responsible for the odor, the sheen on the water, and the fish kill was not determined by DEP. — BostonGlobe.com, 23 July 2021 When asked about the odor, the driver admitted to smoking the day before. — John Benson, cleveland, 29 Sep. 2021 What a powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity, as Big Daddy said. — Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 20 Sep. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'odor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for odor

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.

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