odorous

adjective

odor·​ous ˈō-də-rəs 

: having an odor: such as

a

: fragrant

b

: malodorous

odorously adverb

odorousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for odorous

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of odorous in a Sentence

Odorous cheeses need to be tightly wrapped.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, this isn’t a specific species but rather a common name or catchall term people use when describing tiny ants such as the odorous house ant or little black ant, says Benson. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Today, native Californian ant species like harvester ants and odorous house ants, among others, continue to face the invasive territorial threat posed by the Argentine ants. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Landfills are unsightly, odorous, and emit methane (CH4), a substance far more instrumental potentially than carbon dioxide (CO2) in contributing to global warming. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Sep. 2024

Small businesses such as Jet Ski rentals that depend on the coast for revenue generation have at times been forced to shut down because of the odorous gases released from the decaying mass. —Farah Nibbs, The Conversation, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

odorous

adjective

odor·​ous ˈōd-ə-rəs 

: having or giving off an odor

Medical Definition

odorous

adjective

odor·​ous ˈōd-ə-rəs 

: having an odor: as

a

: having a sweet or pleasant odor

b

: having a bad odor