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

Cod, salmon, and haddock are the most common, along with langoustines, a favorite for most local gourmands. —Claire Volkman, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025

These give it a gourmand quality that is at once bold and profoundly comforting. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025

First, there’s Yum Pistachio Gelato and this is the ultimate gourmand dream. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Dec. 2024

For the roving gourmand, the easiest solution is to bring a knife from home. —Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024

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