What does sulphurous mean?
Sulphurous is an adjective describing something containing sulfur or associated with the characteristic sharp, choking smell of sulfur compounds. It is often used for volcanic gases, industrial fumes, burning sulfur, and other unmistakably pungent odours. The word can also have a figurative meaning: a sulphurous atmosphere suggests foulness, corruption, danger, or the heat and turbulence of fire. Its spelling reflects the traditional British form, while American English generally uses “sulfurous.” In descriptive writing, sulphurous is more precise than simply calling an odour unpleasant because it identifies a specific chemical association. The word is especially useful when describing volcanic activity, industrial pollution, underground environments, and atmospheres intended to evoke heat, corruption, or menace.
Containing sulfur or sulfur compounds, especially sulfur dioxide; characterized by a sharp, pungent, or choking smell.
"Sulphurous fumes filled the laboratory after the experiment went wrong."
Often used to describe volcanic gas, burning sulfur, industrial emissions, and the strong smell of sulfur compounds.
Figuratively, describing an atmosphere or situation as unpleasant, corrupt, fiery, or menacing.
"The town's reputation was overshadowed by the sulphurous politics of its old leadership."
This figurative use is literary and less frequent than the literal chemical and sensory senses.
The familiar smell of rotten eggs comes from hydrogen sulfide, while the sharp choking scent associated with burning sulfur is a different, sulphurous phenomenon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulphurous come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from “sulphur” and the suffix “-ous,” meaning “containing” or “having the nature of.” Its spelling reflects the traditional British form, while American English generally uses “sulfurous.” It is related etymologically to sulfur compounds such as sulphate, sulphide, and sulphuric acid, all of which share the Latin root for sulfur.
How sulphurous is actually used
In modern British usage, “sulphurous” is often used for an unpleasant, choking smell associated with sulfur compounds; “sulfurous” is the standard US spelling. Figurative uses are uncommon but established in literary and descriptive writing.
Easily confused with sulphurous
Sulfur is the chemical element, whereas sulphurous is an adjective describing something containing or characteristic of sulfur.