Definition of gourmandnext
1
as in gourmet
a person with refined tastes in food and wine a finicky gourmand who vacationed in Europe every year simply for the wine

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2
as in pig
one who eats greedily or too much the kind of gourmand who swallows food without even pausing to taste it

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How does the noun gourmand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gourmand are epicure, gastronome, and gourmet. While all these words mean "one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking," gourmand implies a hearty appetite for good food and drink, not without discernment, but with less than a gourmet's.

When would epicure be a good substitute for gourmand?

The synonyms epicure and gourmand are sometimes interchangeable, but epicure implies fastidiousness and voluptuousness of taste.

When can gastronome be used instead of gourmand?

Although the words gastronome and gourmand have much in common, gastronome implies that one has studied extensively the history and rituals of haute cuisine.

When could gourmet be used to replace gourmand?

The meanings of gourmet and gourmand largely overlap; however, gourmet implies being a connoisseur in food and drink and the discriminating enjoyment of them.

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gourmand Two gourmand fragrances are slated to follow later this year. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 Together, the notes create a gourmand that feels light and fluffy rather than dense or saccharine—sweet, but never overwhelming. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist. — Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026 Vendetta Donna blends floral, gourmand and woody notes, with juicy red orange nectar and creamy sandalwood. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gourmand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gourmand
Noun
  • And now, with a myriad of buzzy new restaurants helmed by some of France’s top chefs and curious creatives from around the world eager to experiment with the territory’s rich ingredients, Biarritz is becoming an epicure’s paradise in its own right.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The epicure who dreamed up this last part was, allegedly, a priest.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Dozens of species roamed and rutted on a tropical Earth, from the pig-sized Menoceras to the significantly larger Paraceratherium linxiaense, an animal almost as large as one of London’s red double-decker buses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Faaborgfamily recently transitioned from pigs to mushrooms with technical and financial support from The Transfarmation Project, an initiative of the charitable organization, Mercy for Animals.
    — Rachel Cramer, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During this time, Wareheim — who played the epicurean Arnold opposite his real-life foodie friend Aziz Ansari on Netflix’s Master of None — also became a best-selling cookbook author with the playful Foodheim.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Seline, a 14- to 17-course epicurean adventure told through seasonal and regional ingredients, innovative techniques and showy plating that makes use of bones, antlers and bowls within bowls, has been racking up accolades in 2026.
    — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • Founded in 2017 by three Italian food journalists and gastronomes, Luciano Pignataro, Albert Sapere and Barbara Guerra, 50 Top Pizza ranks pizzas around the world.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gourmand. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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