relish

1 of 2

noun

rel·​ish ˈre-lish How to pronounce relish (audio)
1
: characteristic flavor
especially : pleasing or zestful flavor
2
: a quantity just sufficient to flavor or characterize : trace
3
a
: enjoyment of or delight in something that satisfies one's tastes, inclinations, or desires
eat with great relish
b
: a strong liking : inclination
has little relish for sports
4
a
: something adding a zestful flavor
especially : a condiment (as of pickles or green tomatoes) eaten with other food to add flavor

relish

2 of 2

verb

relished; relishing; relishes

transitive verb

1
: to add relish to
2
: to be pleased or gratified by : enjoy
3
: to eat or drink with pleasure
4
: to appreciate with taste and discernment

intransitive verb

: to have a characteristic or pleasing taste
relishable adjective

Examples of relish in a Sentence

Noun I like to eat hot dogs with mustard and relish. She plays the role with great relish. He took particular relish in pointing out my error. Verb I relish traveling to new places. I don't relish the idea of working late tonight. He relishes the chance to compete again.
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.
Noun
Don't miss specialty items such as tamales, baked goods, dips, relishes, fresh pastas, teas, spices, and homemade salsas. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024 Combine gelatin mixture with cranberry relish, horseradish and salt. Journal Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
Davis and Jackson have undeniable on-screen chemistry—an essential ingredient for any successful buddy-cop action film—and both are clearly relishing their respective roles. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024 Adams, 72, had retired from a career in banking but still relishes her backup job, tending bar at Crypto.com Arena. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relish 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of Middle English reles odor, taste, from Middle French, something left behind, release — more at release

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of relish was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near relish

Cite this Entry

“Relish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relish. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

relish

1 of 2 noun
rel·​ish ˈrel-ish How to pronounce relish (audio)
1
: a pleasing appetizing taste
2
: a small bit added for flavor : dash
3
a
: enjoyment or delight in something
eat with great relish
b
: a strong liking
4
: a highly seasoned food (as of pickles or mustard) eaten with other food to add flavor

relish

2 of 2 verb
1
: to add relish to
2
: to be pleased by : enjoy
3
: to eat or drink with pleasure
relishable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on relish

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!