gourmet

American  

[goor-mey, goor-mey] / gʊərˈmeɪ, ˈgʊər meɪ /

noun

1. a connoisseur of fine food and drink; epicure.

   Synonyms:

   bon vivant, gastronome

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adjective

1. of or characteristic of a gourmet, especially in involving or purporting to involve high-quality or exotic ingredients and skilled preparation.

   gourmet meals; gourmet cooking.

2. elaborately equipped for the preparation of fancy, specialized, or exotic meals.

   a gourmet kitchen.

gourmet British  

/ ɡurmɛ, ˈɡʊəmeɪ /

noun

1. a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink

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Etymology

Origin of gourmet

1810–20; < French; Old French gromet, grommes valet (especially of a wine merchant)

Explanation

That guy over there correctly identifying the dozen spices used in the meal he's eating? He’s likely a gourmet, someone who knows a lot about fine food. There are gourmets and then there are foodies. Both are food enthusiasts who live to eat. A gourmet, pronounced like the French word that is its double: "gor-MAY," is more likely to go for the most refined dining experience, created by a chef who trained in Europe. A foodie, on the other hand, might take you to the best burrito place — because their guacamole tastes the best — then stop by the farmers' market to see if the first of the asparagus crop has arrived.

Example Sentences

Inside, they found lavish surroundings, wedding-banquet style spreads of biryani, kebabs and gulab jamun, along with gourmet coffee blended from Brazilian and Ethiopian beans.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Something snacky + local: fruit, gourmet crackers, local crisps, or a small bag from a neighborhood bakery or market.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

The 5,000-square-foot home, which was built in 2000, features several impressive upgrades, including “newly added wooden beams and fireplace” in the living room, as well as top-of-the-line appliances in the enormous gourmet kitchen.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026

Frances Hughes, co-founder of online wholesale marketplace Starch, said there’s no question that gourmet sweet treats are still in vogue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

Ultimate Saturday is when Gracie and her dad do something special, just the two of them, like gourmet cooking classes or trapeze school.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio