gusto

noun

gus·​to ˈgə-(ˌ)stō 

plural gustoes

1

a

: enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation

described the adventure with great gusto

b

: vitality marked by an abundance of vigor and enthusiasm

could not match the gusto of their competitors

c

: an individual or special taste

different gustoes

2

archaic : artistic style

Synonyms of gusto

• vigor
• energy

Examples of gusto in a Sentence

I don't have the gusto to go on a strenuous hike right now.

Recent Examples on the Web

With several new faces on the roster, the Hawks played with even more gusto. —Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026

The kind of passion and effort and gusto that the Leafs looked completely void of through November and December. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026

As for Kidman's iconic curls, the Big Little Lies star has been embracing her natural texture with gusto in recent weeks. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

In 2025, shoppers opened their wallets with gusto, though consumers appeared to favor low-cost options and discounts, according to spending data shared with ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin gustus, past participle

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Rhymes for gusto

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

gusto

noun

gus·​to ˈgəs-tō 

: keen enjoyment or appreciation

eat with gusto