What does odour mean?
An odour is a smell noticed by the sense of smell, especially one that is distinctive or associated with a particular person, place, object, or substance. The term is grammatically neutral: it can describe a pleasant aroma, an ordinary smell, or an unpleasant stench. Its meaning often depends on context and modifying words, so a pleasant odour and an offensive odour are very different experiences. In British English, odour is the standard spelling, while odor is used in American English. The word is useful when describing sensory impressions, but it can also imply that a smell is noticeable enough to attract attention. Its Latin ancestry, through the root odor, links it to related words such as odorous, odorant, and odoriferous.
nounA smell perceived by the sense of smell, especially a distinctive or noticeable smell. It may be pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant depending on the context.
- A smell perceived by the sense of smell, especially a distinctive or noticeable smell.
- The characteristic smell associated with a person, place, object, or substance.
"The kitchen was filled with the warm odour of freshly baked bread."
"The flowers release a delicate odour after sunset."
"There was a strong odour of damp in the old cellar."
The regular plural is used when referring to different smells.
"The shop sells perfumes with warm, woody odours."
The word odour comes from Latin odor, meaning “smell” — a root still visible in odorous, odorant, and odoriferous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does odour come from?
Odour comes through Old French odor from Latin odor, meaning “smell” or “scent.” The word entered English during the Middle English period and later developed the modern British spelling with the vowel represented by “ou.” Related English forms include odorous, odorant, odorless, and odoriferous, all reflecting the same Latin root associated with smelling or scent.
Related word forms
How odour is actually used
In British English, odour is standard, while odor is the usual American spelling. The word is neutral in form, but in combinations such as offensive odour or strong odour it can suggest an unpleasant or powerful smell.
Easily confused with odour
Odour is the British spelling, while odor is the American spelling; both words have the same meaning.
Scent often suggests a pleasant or distinctive smell, whereas odour is more neutral and can describe any noticeable smell.