gusto

noun

gus·​to ˈgə-(ˌ)stō 

plural gustoes

1

a

: an individual or special taste

different gustoes

b

: enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation

described the adventure with great gusto

c

: vitality marked by an abundance of vigor and enthusiasm

could not match the gusto of their competitors

2

archaic : artistic style

Synonyms

• beans
• bounce
• brio
• dash
• drive
• dynamism
• energy
• esprit
• gas
• get-up-and-go
• ginger
• go
• hardihood
• juice
• life
• moxie
• oomph
• pep
• punch
• sap
• snap
• starch
• verve
• vigor
• vim
• vinegar
• vitality
• zing
• zip

Examples of gusto in a Sentence

I don't have the gusto to go on a strenuous hike right now.

Recent Examples on the Web

Judge Schimel, 60, of Waukesha County, a longtime Trump loyalist who last year dressed up as Mr. Trump for Halloween, embraced the president and Mr. Musk with gusto in the campaign’s final weeks. —Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

Replacing Letterman was no small feat, but O’Brien did so with gusto right out of the gate, displaying a confidence and brand of humor that felt both familiar and fresh. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025

Across 10 tracks, Young wittily indulges her insecurities, rails against narcissistic exes, and embraces unrepentant vulnerability, all with gusto. —Audra Heinrichs, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025

Comedian Judy Gold, soap opera great Susan Lucci and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins deliver the monologues with gusto in the show through March 23. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin gustus, past participle

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gusto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

gusto

noun

gus·​to ˈgəs-tō 

: keen enjoyment or appreciation

eat with gusto