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

Playing with the concept that people are at their most vulnerable while sleeping, Craven created a horror icon with Freddy Krueger (played with gusto by Robert Englund), an evil entity seeking revenge for his murder by slaying the children of his killers in their dreams. —Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Today’s puzzle is a bit of a tricky one, though one with a bit of gusto to warm up your little grey cells. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Indeed, all the guys embrace the activity with gusto — hoping to impress Joan with their easygoing nature and athletic prowess. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024

The economy was recovering with gusto when Biden-Harris took office. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 15 Oct. 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