savory
savory Lexical Profile
savory Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
American Belonging to the category of salty, piquant, or umami food rather than sweet; having a rich, appetizing flavor and aroma.
"She prefers a savory breakfast of eggs and roasted tomatoes over sweet pancakes."
American Morally wholesome, respectable, or acceptable to good taste (often used in negative constructions).
"The investigative journalist uncovered several scarcely savory financial dealings within the firm."
• noun
An aromatic culinary herb of the mint family (genus Satureja, especially summer savory or winter savory), native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated for its peppery leaves used to season meats, beans, and stews.
"He added a sprig of fresh summer savory to the pot of simmering white beans."
American A small, piquant, non-sweet dish or appetizer served either before a meal or, in traditional British dining, at the end of a dinner after the dessert course.
"The catering tray included an assortment of hot savories such as cheese puffs and stuffed mushrooms."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled 'savoury' in British English for the adjective and culinary dish senses, though the aromatic herb (genus Satureja) is spelled 'savory' in both American and British English.
• Rhymes for savory
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective and dish noun derive from Middle English 'savouri', from Old French 'savoré' (tasty, fragrant), ultimately from Latin 'sapor' (taste, flavor). The herb name represents a separate etymology, coming from Old English 'sætherie' via Latin 'satureia', blended with the adjective due to the plant's pungent flavor.