Odor | Definition of odor by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ODOR

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 \ˈō-dərd\ adjective

— odor·less \-dər-ləs\ adjective

See odor defined for English-language learners

See odor defined for kids

Origin of ODOR

Middle English odour, from Anglo-French odur, from Latin odor; akin to Latin olēre to smell, Greek ozein to smell, osmē smell, odor

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ODOR

Synonyms: air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, nimbus, note, aura, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s)

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Rhymes with ODOR

coder, loader, Oder

Definition of ODOR for Kids

: 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>

— odor·less \ˈō-dər-ləs\ adjective