relish

1 of 2

noun

rel·​ish ˈre-lish How to pronounce relish (audio)
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

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 adjective

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
Harvest loquat fruits to eat out of hand or to make chutney and other relishes. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Each is topped with tartar sauce featuring olives, capers and sweet relish, plus lettuce. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relish 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relish.' 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

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

1586, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relish was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near relish

Cite this Entry

“Relish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relish. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relish

1 of 2 noun
rel·​ish ˈrel-ish How to pronounce relish (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on relish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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