zest

[ zest ]

noun

1. keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto.
2. an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something.
3. anything added to impart flavor, enhance one's appreciation, etc.
4. piquancy; interest; charm.

   Synonyms: tang, spice

5. liveliness or energy; animating spirit.
6. the peel, especially the thin outer peel, of a citrus fruit used for flavoring:

   lemon zest.

verb (used with object)

1. to give zest, relish, or piquancy to.

zest

/ zɛst /

noun

1. invigorating or keen excitement or enjoyment

   a zest for living

2. added interest, flavour, or charm; piquancy

   her presence gave zest to the occasion

3. something added to give flavour or relish
4. the peel or skin of an orange or lemon, used as flavouring in drinks, etc

verb

1. tr to give flavour, interest, or piquancy to

Derived Forms

• ˈzestfully, adverb
• ˈzestless, adjective
• ˈzestfulness, noun
• ˈzesty, adjective
• ˈzestful, adjective

Other Words From

• zestless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

1665–75; < French zest (now zeste ) orange or lemon peel used for flavoring < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

C17: from French zeste peel of citrus fruits used as flavouring, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

In a small bowl, use your fingers to rub the sugars and orange zest together.

From Washington Post

Its centerpiece is a turkey breast stuffed with a cranberry sauce gussied up with pecans, maple syrup, thyme and orange zest.

From Washington Post

Like most citrus, you can use their zest and juice to flavor savory dishes and desserts.

From Washington Post

Both empathy and zest for life are positively connected with Stoicism.

From Nautilus

Add the parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper and toss to combine.

From Washington Post

Twist a large piece of orange zest and a large piece of lemon zest over the drink and drop into the glass.

From The Daily Beast

They sport a leathery, crackle-textured skin and glow with salt-and-pepper zest.

From The Daily Beast

One day at a funeral, he meets Maude (Ruth Gordon), a 79-year-old with a zest for life.

From The Daily Beast

Add melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and orange zest and whisk until incorporated 3.

From The Daily Beast

Whiter Teeth—Make a paste by crushing some basil leaves with the zest of an orange.

From The Daily Beast

Urbanity ushers in water that needs no apology, and gives a zest to the worst vintage.

From Project Gutenberg

Her new joy and excitement, her gaiety and zest for life— all had been caused, not by himself, but by another.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, rough work makes a fellow take his ease with all the more zest.

From Project Gutenberg

Certainly Valerie deserved to conquer the ill health that was robbing her of so much of the zest of living.

From Project Gutenberg

The feet came on; slow, rhythmic, marching without zest or pause or break, perfection without snap.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flavoring
• ginger
• salt
• seasoning
• spice