Savory describes food that tastes salty, meaty, or richly flavorful rather than sweet. A slice of pizza is savory. So are French fries, roasted chicken, and soy sauce. When you bite into a cheeseburger or a handful of salted pretzels, that deeply satisfying, almost meaty taste is savory.

The word helps us talk about one of the basic categories of flavor. While desserts and candy are sweet, most main courses are savory. Some foods blend both: bacon-wrapped dates combine savory and sweet, which is why people find them so interesting.

Scientists have identified umami (oo-MAH-mee) as a specific taste sensation within savory flavors, the rich, full taste you find in mushrooms, aged cheese, and tomatoes. That pleasant, mouth-filling quality that makes you want another bite? That's the savory taste working on your tongue.

The word can also describe someone or something that seems morally wholesome or respectable, though this meaning is less common. You might hear someone say “not a very savory character” to describe a suspicious or untrustworthy person, meaning they don't seem quite respectable or safe.