gourmand

noun

gour·​mand ˈgu̇r-ˌmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
-mənd,
ˌgu̇r-ˈmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
1
: one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
2
: one who is heartily interested in good food and drink
gourmandism noun
gourmandize intransitive verb

Did you know?

"What God has plagu'd us with this gourmaund guest?" As this exasperated question from Alexander Pope's 18th-century translation of Homer's Odyssey suggests, being a gourmand is not always a good thing. When gourmand began appearing in English texts in the 15th century, it was a decidedly bad thing, a synonym of glutton that was reserved for a greedy eater who consumed well past satiation. That negative connotation mostly remained until English speakers borrowed the similar-sounding (and much more positive) gourmet from French in the 19th century. Since then, the meaning of gourmand has softened so that although it still isn't wholly flattering, it now suggests someone who likes good food in large quantities rather than a slobbering glutton.

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 Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel play cook and gourmand, lovers who bond over their art. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 And last but not least, Cardamom 1974, a warmer, sensual scent, which was sweetened with vanilla and gourmand notes. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024 Now these two former gourmands have gone full late-night munchies by infusing a pilsner malt base spirit with cheesy, salty, and umami notes from one of America’s favorite snack foods. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2023 At the intersection of floral and gourmand, there’s a hint of saltiness that brings a sense of grandeur with fleur de lys that peaks through — all thanks to the brainchild of perfumer Quentin Bisch. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Jan. 2024 Neanderthals were the resident gourmands of ancient Eurasia. Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023 French Market This upscale marketplace offers a variety of prepared French foods for the gourmand on the go. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Her social circle came to include Julia Child and the gourmand James Beard. Mayukh Sen, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2023 And as a fan of Beyoncé, floral scents (rose, in particular), and gourmand notes with a richness to them, Cé Noir should be right up my alley. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gourmand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gourmaunt, from Middle French gourmant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gourmand was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near gourmand

Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gourmand. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gourmand

noun
gour·​mand ˈgu̇(ə)r-ˌmänd How to pronounce gourmand (audio)
gourmandism noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gourmand

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