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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

gourmet

GOOR-may

Gourmet (noun) means someone with refined, expert taste in food and drink. Example: “As a gourmet, she could name the exact region a wine came from just by tasting it.”

noun
1
Someone with refined, expert taste in food and drink.
"As a gourmet, she could name the exact region a wine came from just by tasting it."
adjective
1
Of high quality and carefully prepared, especially referring to food.
"The airline now offers a gourmet meal option in economy class."

How to use gourmet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes high-end, carefully made food, or a person with expert taste in it.

Common mistake

A "gourmet" has refined taste; a "gourmand" simply loves eating large amounts, often without the same discernment.

Easily confused with

Word forms

gourmets plural

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As a _____, she could name the exact region a wine came from just by tasting it.

Etymology

From French gourmet, originally meaning a wine merchant's servant or wine-taster, related to English "groom".

Origin: French

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “gourmet” mean?

The word “gourmet” means someone with refined, expert taste in food and drink. In plain terms, describes high-end, carefully made food, or a person with expert taste in it.

How do you pronounce “gourmet”?

“Gourmet” is pronounced GOOR-may (/ɡʊɹˈmeɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gourmet” in a sentence?

Here is “gourmet” used in a sentence: “As a gourmet, she could name the exact region a wine came from just by tasting it.”

What part of speech is “gourmet”?

Depending on how it is used, “gourmet” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “gourmet” come from?

The word “gourmet” comes from French. From French gourmet, originally meaning a wine merchant's servant or wine-taster, related to English "groom".

Is “gourmet” a common word?

“Gourmet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “gourmet” have?

“Gourmet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone with refined, expert taste in food and drink.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial