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

Sherman sinks his teeth (no pun intended) into the material with gusto, directing the actors at a swift clip to tell the story of a mismatched reporter and doctor who uncover a grim conspiracy of medical experimentation. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2024

Santa Cruz’s tiny agonies manage a delicate balance between stately, shimmering guitar lines and plaintive synthesizer accompaniment while Bazan sings with a gusto that bests his finest performances. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024

With a gusto that recalls Gramma Tala (Rachel House) from the 2016 feature, Moana teaches Simea about their people’s history. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024

And the weather will continue with gusto this week: A strong clipper storm — a system that forms in Canada and moves across the Great Lakes into the United States — is set to move in from Quebec on Thursday, bringing heavy snow to Michigan, the National Weather Service said. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin gustus, past participle

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

gusto

noun

gus·​to ˈgəs-tō 

: keen enjoyment or appreciation

eat with gusto