gusto
Americannoun
-
gustoes
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of gusto
First recorded in 1620–30; from Italian, from Latin gustus; see gust 2
Explanation
You can do many things with gusto, or hearty enthusiasm, whether it's eating a steak, playing table tennis, or cheering on your favorite team. Some people live their whole lives with gusto. Since the 17th century, gusto has been helping English speakers describe things that are done with vigor and enthusiasm. Gusto is Italian for “taste,” and its Italian origins are evident both in its spelling, with its “o” ending, and its sense of “a taste for life." Use this word to describe vigorous activities — you probably wouldn’t "take a nap with gusto," even if you really enjoy napping. You're more likely to cheer on your favorite team or dance the tango with gusto.
Vocabulary lists containing gusto
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 8
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They had six players making their Old Firm debut from the start but if inexperience can be a challenge in this fixture then it was a challenge they met with gusto.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
With what looks like a cataract occluding one eye for extra scariness points, and a ring of long white hair curving around his otherwise bald head, he’s played with gusto by Dan Stevens.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
With the garish gusto of a WWE wrestler, Tucker’s entrance as the ringleader of the show “Stamptown” electrifies the stage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
Messi has gusto, and Paul Newman drove race cars; nobody is asking men to be quiet little mice.
From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026
When he spoke of food his face was fierce with gusto.
From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
