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

There’s a whole chapter on the building blocks of sauces, curry pastes, and spice blends, as well as one on the meal makers of rice, eggs, gravies, and relishes. —The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024

Additionally, each Farmhouse Feast includes sides such as housemade bread and celery dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans with ham, macaroni and cheese, cranberry relish, freshly baked rolls and pumpkin pie. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 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

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