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 For gourmands and oenophiles, there’s also a private dining room with a catering kitchen and a wine storage and tasting room. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2026 Pinabel described the gourmand scent, created by Givaudan perfumers Nisrine Bouazzaoui Grillié and Nadège Le Garlantezec, as chic, elegant and sophisticated. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026 A lot of gourmand vanillas can lean artificial or very young. Jessika Hardy, Refinery29, 22 Dec. 2025 But such pioneers in farm-to-table dining as Blackberry Farm in Walland, Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, and The Walnut Kitchen in Maryville have long drawn gourmands. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gourmand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gourmand
Noun
  • The resort has teamed up with local partners like Pieces of 8 boat tours to offer guests day trips to the Bahamas' out islands of Exuma and Eleuthera– where visitors can swim with pigs or feed iguanas in their natural habitat.
    Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Companies made students wash blood and feces from pig pens and ordered them to pressure renters into signing leases in run-down apartment buildings, all under the guise of cultural exchange.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ever since, keen epicures had been ardently awaiting his next move.
    Sarah Khan, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Biggest Fear: Pain of their own insecurity, uncertainty. Type 7: The Enthusiast/Epicure The enthusiast/epicure looks to explore all the wonders of life and are always on the hunt for new experiences and adventures.
    Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
Noun
  • Serious steak enthusiasts and oenophiles may want to book a room at the Epicurean Hotel, Bern’s sister property just across the street.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
  • Following its 2024 debut at The Stutz downtown, international food and art festival Epicurean will bring the flavors of more than 25 nations to the Fletcher Place neighborhood Oct. 5.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Anne Marie Panoringan, Culture OC food writer, notes that even for seasoned gastronomes, the value proposition feels off.
    Brock Keeling, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Painters, sculptors, designers, and young gastronomes with a forward-thinking vision have put down roots.
    Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gourmand. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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