zest

[ zest ]

/ zɛst /

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See synonyms for: zest / zestless on Thesaurus.com

noun

keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto.

an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something.

anything added to impart flavor, enhance one's appreciation, etc.

piquancy; interest; charm.

liveliness or energy; animating spirit.

the peel, especially the thin outer peel, of a citrus fruit used for flavoring: lemon zest.

verb (used with object)

to give zest, relish, or piquancy to.

OTHER WORDS FOR zest

4 spice, tang.

See synonyms for zest on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of zest

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

OTHER WORDS FROM zest

zestless, adjective

Words nearby zest

zero tolerance, zero vector, zero-zero, Zerubbabel, Zervanism, zest, zester, zestful, zesty, zeta, Zeta-Jones

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use zest in a sentence

In a small bowl, use your fingers to rub the sugars and orange zest together.
Tart roasted cranberries and a billowy meringue topping take this pie in a bright, bold direction|Erin Jeanne McDowell|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
Its centerpiece is a turkey breast stuffed with a cranberry sauce gussied up with pecans, maple syrup, thyme and orange zest.
Make it a one-pan Thanksgiving with stuffed turkey breast, sweet potatoes and green beans|Ellie Krieger|November 10, 2020|Washington Post
Like most citrus, you can use their zest and juice to flavor savory dishes and desserts.
Harness the bright sweetness of oranges in these 7 recipes|Kari Sonde|November 9, 2020|Washington Post
Both empathy and zest for life are positively connected with Stoicism.
The Joys of Being a Stoic - Issue 92: Frontiers|Massimo Pigliucci|November 4, 2020|Nautilus

Add the parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper and toss to combine.
Homemade, seasoned breadcrumbs add crunch and flavor to pastas, vegetables and more|Jesse Szewczyk|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
Twist a large piece of orange zest and a large piece of lemon zest over the drink and drop into the glass.
The Rise and Fall…and Rise Again of the Old-Fashioned|Allison McNearney|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They sport a leathery, crackle-textured skin and glow with salt-and-pepper zest.
The Texas Church of Beef|Jane & Michael Stern|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One day at a funeral, he meets Maude (Ruth Gordon), a 79-year-old with a zest for life.
Most Overlooked Romance Films for Valentine’s Day Weekend: ‘True Romance,’ ‘His Girl Friday,’ More|Marlow Stern|February 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Add melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and orange zest and whisk until incorporated 3.
Cat Cora’s Valentine’s Day Menu for Single People|Cat Cora|February 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Whiter Teeth—Make a paste by crushing some basil leaves with the zest of an orange.
Use These 15 Home Remedies Based On Ayurveda To Cure Menstrual Cramps, Hangovers, and Indigestion|Ari Meisel|January 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Urbanity ushers in water that needs no apology, and gives a zest to the worst vintage.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
Her new joy and excitement, her gaiety and zest for life— all had been caused, not by himself, but by another.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
Besides, rough work makes a fellow take his ease with all the more zest.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
Certainly Valerie deserved to conquer the ill health that was robbing her of so much of the zest of living.
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O|Clair Blank
The feet came on; slow, rhythmic, marching without zest or pause or break, perfection without snap.
Valley of the Croen|Lee Tarbell

British Dictionary definitions for zest

zest

/ (zɛst) /

noun

invigorating or keen excitement or enjoymenta zest for living

added interest, flavour, or charm; piquancyher presence gave zest to the occasion

something added to give flavour or relish

the peel or skin of an orange or lemon, used as flavouring in drinks, etc

verb

(tr) to give flavour, interest, or piquancy to

Derived forms of zest

zestful, adjectivezestfully, adverbzestfulness, nounzestless, adjective

zesty, adjective

Word Origin for zest

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

zest

OTHER WORDS FOR zest

Origin of zest

OTHER WORDS FROM zest

Words nearby zest

Words related to zest

How to use zest in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for zest

Derived forms of zest

Word Origin for zest