gourmand

noun

gour·​mand ˈgu̇r-ˌmänd 

-mənd,

ˌgu̇r-ˈmänd 

1

: one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking

2

: one who is heartily interested in good food and drink

gourmandism

ˈgu̇r-ˌmän-ˌdi-zəm 

-mən-

noun

gourmandize

ˈgu̇r-ˌmän-ˌdīz 

-mən-

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."

Synonyms

• bon vivant
• epicure
• epicurean
• gastronome
• gastronomist
• gourmet

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

Picture the lightest dusting of cocoa powder, but not the sweet, gourmand chocolate that dominates many modern fragrances, but something more refined and ethereal. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Feb. 2025

As Allure reported in late 2024, the ever-popular gourmand fragrance category is shifting even further away from its traditional vanilla-forward formats and are instead leaning into milky and rice notes—which just so happen to blend right in with skin-centric notes like musk and ambroxan. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025

Editors’ Picks 3 Lessons for Living Well, From the Dying Italian gourmands may be skeptical, but experts in food science said the research was sound. —Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Ellis Brooklyn's newest gourmand release strikes the perfect balance between sweet nostalgia and modern luxury. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gourmaunt, from Middle French gourmant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

gourmand

noun

gour·​mand ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmänd 

1

: glutton sense 1

2

: gourmet

gourmandism

ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmän-ˌdiz-əm 

-mən-

noun