Savory Meaning
/ˈseɪ.və.ɹi/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjTasty, attractive to the palate.
adjEither salty or spicy, but not sweet.
Sentence Examples
A savory bite doesn't wait long.
These figs are savory.
Marshmallows can also be used in savory dishes, like chicken skewers.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Unlike the sweet dessert, the main course had a ____ flavor made with herbs and garlic.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chef prepared a ____ tart filled with caramelized onions and goat's cheese.
Word Origin & History
From the Middle English savory, savourie, from Old French savouré, from Old French savourer, from Late Latin sapōrāre, from Latin sapor (“taste, flavour”), from sapiō, sapere (“taste of, have a flavour of”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The ruthless practices of the Ontario Film Censor Board are by now the laughing stock of most of the world. Scenes that contain more flesh or affection than they find savoury are simply hacked out of the film before it is released."
— 1981 February 14, Alexander Wilson, “The New Right Attacks Childhood Sexuality: A Canadian Perspective”, in Gay Community News, volume 8, number 29, page 6:
"On Friday the pastry chef Pichet Ong will open his own cafe, with sweets and savories served at tables and a counter."
— 2007 April 18, Florence Fabricant, “Off the Menu”, in New York Times:
"There are some who advise taking the noxious herb savory; in my judgment it is poison."
— 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 208:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Unlike the sweet dessert, the main course had a ____ flavor made with herbs and garlic.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The chef prepared a ____ tart filled with caramelized onions and goat's cheese.