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)

Example Sentences

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

The cinema chain runs 49 venues across the UK and is known for its luxury seating and gourmet menus.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Typically, in early December, Almost Famous Popcorn would have been staffing up for the holiday rush, when the gourmet popcorn company does 60% of its sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

A gourmet tortilla shop in Oaxaca, Itanoni is an attempt to preserve southern Mexico's hundreds of varieties of maize, a Mesoamerican tradition that has survived for thousands of years.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann