gourmet
gourmet Lexical Profile
gourmet Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of a kind or standard suitable for a connoisseur; involving high-quality ingredients and elaborate or expert preparation (of food, drink, or a restaurant).
"They celebrated their anniversary by cooking a four-course gourmet meal at home."
• noun
A connoisseur of good food and drink; a person with a discerning palate who is knowledgeable about fine dining and culinary preparation.
"As a dedicated gourmet, she traveled across Europe to sample regional cheeses and vintage wines."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often distinguished from 'gourmand': a 'gourmet' is a discerning connoisseur who appreciates fine food and drink for its quality and preparation, whereas a 'gourmand' historically carries connotations of someone who enjoys eating heartily and sometimes to excess.
• Rhymes for gourmet
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 19th century from French 'gourmet', originally meaning a wine merchant's assistant or taster, from Old French 'gromet' (a servant or valet in charge of wines).