gourmand

noun

gour·​mand ˈgu̇r-ˌmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
-mənd,
ˌgu̇r-ˈmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
1
: one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
2
: one who is heartily interested in good food and drink
gourmandism noun
gourmandize intransitive verb

Did you know?

When gourmand first appeared in English texts in the 15th century, it was no compliment: gourmand was a synonym of glutton that was reserved for a greedy eater who consumed well past the point of satiation. The word’s negative connotation mostly remained until English speakers borrowed the similar-sounding (and much more positive) gourmet from French in the 17th century to describe a connoisseur of food and drink. Since then, while the original, unflattering sense of gourmand has remained, it has picked up an additional, softer sense referring to someone who appreciates, and has a hearty appetite for, the pleasures of the table. More recently, gourmand has expanded beyond cuisine and into the world of perfumery: fragrances that evoke edible pleasures are called "gourmands."

Choose the Right Synonym for gourmand

epicure, gourmet, gourmand, gastronome mean one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking.

epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

Examples of gourmand in a Sentence

a finicky gourmand who vacationed in Europe every year simply for the wine the kind of gourmand who swallows food without even pausing to taste it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The grass and pear notes in Un Jardin create this unexpected freshness that makes the cherry feel more natural and less gourmand. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 June 2025 The gourmand fragrance market has been rising in recent years, and is expected to exceed $35 billion in 2025, market research shows. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025 Not beating you over the head with VANILLA like some gourmands do. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2025 The gourmand skin scent feels like surrounding yourself with fluffy clouds. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gourmand

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gourmaunt, from Middle French gourmant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gourmand was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gourmand. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

gourmand

noun
gour·​mand ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
gourmandism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gourmand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!