gourmand
noun
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When gourmand first appeared in English texts in the 15th century, it was no compliment: gourmand was a synonym of glutton that was reserved for a greedy eater who consumed well past the point of satiation. The word’s negative connotation mostly remained until English speakers borrowed the similar-sounding (and much more positive) gourmet from French in the 17th century to describe a connoisseur of food and drink. Since then, while the original, unflattering sense of gourmand has remained, it has picked up an additional, softer sense referring to someone who appreciates, and has a hearty appetite for, the pleasures of the table. More recently, gourmand has expanded beyond cuisine and into the world of perfumery: fragrances that evoke edible pleasures are called "gourmands."
Examples of gourmand in a Sentence
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
For spring that means riffling through the fruit basket, sifting through the spice rack, and tossing in nut and tea notes to create gourmand fragrances that are more gossamer than gooey.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
Neroli, cocoa shell and tonka bean complete it, giving it all the gourmand goodness.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Tom Ford Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum Buy on Sephora
On the other side of the gourmand spectrum, fruitiness that feels rich and ripe also fits the bill and draws you in.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Gourmand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gourmand. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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