relish

noun rel·ish \ ˈre-lish \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Examples: relish in a Sentence

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

See relish defined for English-language learners

See relish defined for kids

Examples of relish in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of relish from the Web

The patio has its own menu, with essentials like brats and hot dogs but also items like a memorable pork sausage made with makrut lime and chile and topped with mango relish.

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Dining patios proliferate around Milwaukee; a look at some new ones for 2018," 10 July 2018
Homemade hot giardiniera, a pickled relish typically made of cauliflower, carrots, celery and peppers, supplied some light tartness to this meaty dish.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Garp & Fuss: Murky menu, lovely location," 6 July 2018
In the sentence Jane ate spaghetti with relish, does relish refer to a condiment or to enthusiastic enjoyment?

— ben zimmer, The Atlantic, "How Computers Parse the Ambiguity of Everyday Language," 27 June 2018
Beth Malone, who has taken over the role of the Angel for the play’s duration, moves with a fearless relish.

— New York Times, "This Angel in America Takes Wing With Help From 5 Shadows," 21 June 2018
Diced little cubes of tangy pickles, shredded lettuce soaked in oil and a dusting of oregano, hot pepper relish — none of that pepper ring nonsense — and mayo.

— kara baskin, BostonGlobe.com, "The best Italian sub around, with mayo and memories," 18 June 2018
Chili dogs and a classic mustard-relish-onion-tomato toppings are all popular options, but check out the made-in-house sweet and sour red cabbage for a change of pace.

— kate washington, sacbee, "Sacramento is taking its hot-dog game to the next level," 18 May 2018
Elgaali shows me how to crumple up the kisra in a bowl and drizzle one of the stews over the top, plucking some chopped chile relish from a side dish to sprinkle over it.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Exile in the Tenderloin: The quest for a future at San Francisco’s only Sudanese cafe," 17 May 2018
But if the sentence were Jane ate the hot dog with relish, the ambiguity would be even more pronounced.

— ben zimmer, The Atlantic, "How Computers Parse the Ambiguity of Everyday Language," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of relish

alteration of Middle English reles odor, taste, from Middle French, something left behind, release — more at release

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1530

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

relish Synonyms

relish

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

play \ˈre-li-shə-bəl\ adjective

See relish defined for English-language learners

Examples of relish in a Sentence

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 of relish from the Web

Locke relished every titillating contradiction but shrank, still, from political extremes.

— tobi haslett, The New Yorker, "The Man Who Led the Harlem Renaissance—and His Hidden Hungers," 11 May 2018
On the contrary, the junior forward relishes striking it with her forehead.

— matt le cren, Naperville Sun, "Head of the class: Leah Molloy helps Naperville North score three goals in first half," 5 Apr. 2018
In the sentence Jane ate spaghetti with relish, does relish refer to a condiment or to enthusiastic enjoyment?

— ben zimmer, The Atlantic, "How Computers Parse the Ambiguity of Everyday Language," 27 June 2018
Contributing defensively is the quickest way to playing time for young players — something McDermott thinks Thomas will relish.

— vince ellis, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Pistons draft pick Khyri Thomas: Defense is 'part of his 'DNA'," 26 June 2018
But as some Saudi women relish their newfound freedom, others who advocated for it for years are behind bars.

— claire zillman, Fortune, "Sarah Sanders Red Hen, Saudi Women to Drive, U.S. Open Pregnancy: Broadsheet June 25," 25 June 2018
Many people in their 50s and 60s no longer want to deal with the ongoing responsibilities of home ownership and relish the idea of relocating into a community where home maintenance is part of the package.

— leigh farr, azcentral, "Seeking a vibrant lifestyle," 25 June 2018
The position Axelrod espouses here typically goes like this: Trump relishes incivility, and by stooping to his level, good and decent people will further deepen the chasm that threatens to divide this country on a permanent basis.

— jay willis, GQ, "Public Shaming Is Powerful," 25 June 2018
Saudi women steered their way through busy city streets on Sunday, driving to work, running errands, and relishing a new era in which they are allowed to drive and no longer need to rely on men to move around.

— aya batrawy, The Christian Science Monitor, "Saudi Arabia’s 'driving ban' is finally lifted," 25 June 2018

First Known Use of relish

1586

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

relish Synonyms

Synonyms

adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, get off (on), groove (on), like, love, rejoice (in), revel (in), savor (also savour);

Near Antonyms

abhor, abominate, detest, dislike, hate, loathe;

condemn, despise, scorn;

prize, treasure, value;

devour, drink (in), eat (up), feast (on);

dote (on), idolize;

cotton (to), favor, prefer;

indulge (in), luxuriate (in), wallow (in);

Phrases

be partial to, get a kick out of (or charge), go for, have a soft spot for, take to;

RELISH Defined for English Language Learners

relish

noun

: a seasoned sauce that is used to add flavor to other foods and that is made of chopped fruit or vegetables; especially : such a sauce made from pickles
: enjoyment of or delight in something
: a feeling of liking something