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?

When gourmand first appeared in English texts in the 15th century, it was no compliment: gourmand was a synonym of glutton that was reserved for a greedy eater who consumed well past the point of satiation. The word’s negative connotation mostly remained until English speakers borrowed the similar-sounding (and much more positive) gourmet from French in the 17th century to describe a connoisseur of food and drink. Since then, while the original, unflattering sense of gourmand has remained, it has picked up an additional, softer sense referring to someone who appreciates, and has a hearty appetite for, the pleasures of the table. More recently, gourmand has expanded beyond cuisine and into the world of perfumery: fragrances that evoke edible pleasures are called "gourmands."

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For clean girl scent lovers looking to elevate their collection or gourmand enthusiasts willing to explore beyond their comfort zone, Angel Dust by Fugazzi might just be your next obsession too. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 May 2025 The perfume industry is enjoying a surge in gourmand fragrances. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 It’s intended for layering with other perfumes, and this particular scent delivers a skin-like warmth courtesy of cashmere woods, Madagascar vanilla, and cozy amber that meshes especially well with any warm floral or gourmand. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 So whether you’re drawn to floral fragrances, gourmands, or fresh and woody scents, your new favorite perfume just might be on this list. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gourmand

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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Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gourmand. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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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