1 odor | Definition of odor
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odor

noun
\ ˈō-dər How to pronounce odor (audio) \

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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Other Words from odor

odored \ ˈō-​dərd How to pronounce odored (audio) \ adjective
odorless \ ˈō-​dər-​ləs How to pronounce odorless (audio) \ 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

 Police Chief Jon Lewis and an officer went outside to investigate and returned a few minutes later as the odor dissipated. — Daily Pilot, "Political Landscape: Democratic presidential candidates forum set for Segerstrom Center," 14 Aug. 2019 Upon contact, the deputy noted the odor of raw marijuana and signs of impairment displayed by Huebner. — Forum News Service, Twin Cities, "Traffic stop in southwest Minnesota nets almost 100 pounds of pot," 21 July 2019 Desiree Rios for The New York Times Police officers summoned to Room 15 at the Kamway Lodge in Queens last week were met at the door by the odor of a dead body and burning incense. — New York Times, "Cipriani Chef Found Dead May Have Been Drugged in Robbery Scheme," 26 Aug. 2019 At that level, most individuals can smell the odor and some may experience symptoms such as headaches and nausea, the district said. — Carlos Lozano, Los Angeles Times, "Odor advisory issued for Salton Sea area; hydrogen sulfide leads to rotten-egg smell," 18 Aug. 2019 But prosecutors argued the marijuana odor provided probable cause to search both the vehicle Pacheco, the opinion said. — Jessica Anderson, baltimoresun.com, "Marijuana funk no longer probable cause to search people; Maryland appeals court cites Bob Dylan in ruling," 15 Aug. 2019 In speaking with the driver, a Solon man, 50, officers could smell the odor of alcohol on his person. — cleveland.com, "Suspected explosive device was a toy: Solon Police Blotter," 8 Aug. 2019 Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from the car. — Houston Chronicle, "Memorial Villages Police Department weekly report," 29 July 2019 The aircraft is out of service and being examined for the source of the odor, the airlines said. — John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, "American Airlines flight to London diverted to Boston after odor made flight attendants ill," 29 July 2019

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.

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First Known Use of odor

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

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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More Definitions for odor

odor

noun
How to pronounce odor (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of odor

: a particular smell

See the full definition for odor in the English Language Learners Dictionary

odor

noun
\ ˈō-dər How to pronounce odor (audio) \

Kids Definition of odor

: a particular smell The odor of flowers filled my room. … the air was … thick with the smell of body odor.— Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising

Other Words from odor

odorless \ ˈō-​dər-​ləs \ adjective

odor

noun
variants: or chiefly British odour \ ˈōd-​ər How to pronounce odour (audio) \

Medical Definition of odor

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