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

First appearing in Shrek 2, Puss (voiced with gusto by Antonio Banderas) became a loyal ally to Shrek and his gang, while his origins were explored in the spinoff films Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022). —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The golden retriever mix continues chewing with gusto, eyes wide and focused. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

But those stocks were mined with some gusto, and large portions of the island were essentially ruined. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025

But La Rocca set about it with gusto. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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