relish

1 of 2

noun

rel·​ish ˈre-lish 

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

b

: appetizer, hors d'oeuvre

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

ˈre-li-shə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun

• appetite
• fancy
• favor
• fondness
• like
• liking
• love
• love affair
• partiality
• preference
• shine
• taste
• use

Verb

• adore
• delight (in)
• dig
• enjoy
• fancy
• get off (on)
• groove (on)
• like
• love
• rejoice (in)
• revel (in)
• savor
• savour

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

Noun

Then, one day, Fleck spies Lee Quinzel, Arkham’s newest resident played with dark relish by Lady Gaga. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2024

The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors There are pear recipes that call for perfectly ripe fruit—dinner salads, antipasto plates, relishes. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024

Verb

Over the past few months at shows like Loewe and Dries Van Noten designers have been relishing in somewhat kitschy and experimental separates. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024

Hiller often loved playing them, but has relished the chance to go deeper with Joel. —Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

relish

1 of 2 noun

rel·​ish ˈrel-ish 

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

-ə-bəl 

adjective