Savor vs. Savour
Cambridge labels “savour” as UK and “savor” as US for the verb and related noun senses. This guide treats the choice as a documented spelling convention and does not invent a meaning difference between the variants.
Use “savor” in standard US spelling and “savour” in standard UK spelling; choose consistently with the document’s regional or house style.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| standard US spelling | savor | Use “savor” in US English. |
| standard UK spelling | savour | Use “savour” in UK English. |
| mixed regional spelling in one document | follow house style consistently | Do not invent a meaning distinction to justify switching spellings. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you choosing the regional spelling for the same verb or related noun sense?
If yes: Use “savor” for US English and “savour” for UK English.
If no: Follow the publication’s regional or house style consistently.
Caveat: The documented distinction is regional spelling; this guide does not create a meaning difference between the variants.
Examples
Take time to savor the moment.
“Savor” is the standard US spelling.
Take time to savour the moment.
“Savour” is the standard UK spelling.
The writer kept the US spelling “savor” throughout the article.
Consistency follows the chosen regional or house style.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “savor” in standard US spelling and “savour” in standard UK spelling; choose consistently with the document’s regional or house style.
Style Boundary
Choose the spelling that matches the audience, region, or house style, and keep that choice consistent where both forms are accepted.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Savour — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK savour and US savor spelling distinction