What does odor mean?
An odor is a smell that can be noticed, described, and remembered, whether it comes from a flower, a room, food, smoke, or a person. The word itself is neutral: it can refer to an appealing aroma or an unpleasant stink, although English often uses it in figurative expressions that imply suspicion, dishonesty, or disgrace. In everyday writing, odor is especially common in American English, while British English generally spells it odour. Because it covers both positive and negative smells, odor is useful when a description should remain precise without prematurely assigning a judgment. The related terms scent, aroma, fragrance, and stink each tend to suggest a particular quality or emotional response, whereas odor is the broader, more neutral choice. In figurative contexts, such as “a political odor,” the word conveys a persistent impression or reputation that outsiders associate with a person, place, or institution.
A distinctive smell perceived by the sense of smell.
"A salty odor drifted in from the harbor."
The term is broad and can describe pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant smells. In American English, odor is the usual spelling; British English usually uses odour.
A person's or organization's perceived character or reputation, especially when regarded as objectionable or disreputable.
"The scandal gave the company a lasting odor of corruption."
This figurative use is usually negative and is more formal than expressions based on everyday smell imagery.
The regular plural is odors; in British English, the corresponding form is odours.
"Strong cooking odors filled the apartment."
One word can carry either a welcoming fragrance or an unwelcome stink: odor is neutral until context supplies the verdict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does odor come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French odor, which came from Latin odor, meaning “smell” or “scent.” Latin odor is related to olere, “to smell,” and to the broader family of words associated with the sense of smell. English later developed the regional variant odour, while American English retained odor; both forms descend from the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How odor is actually used
Odor is neutral in meaning, but in figurative use it usually suggests something unwelcome or morally suspect. In American English, odor is standard, while odour is chiefly British and Commonwealth English.
Easily confused with odor
Odor is the standard American spelling, while odour is the standard British spelling of the same word.
Odor is a general term for a smell and may be pleasant or unpleasant, whereas scent often suggests a pleasant or distinctive fragrance.