What does glutton mean?
A glutton is, most literally, a person who eats greedily or in excessive amounts. The word is chiefly an insult, though it can also be used jokingly among friends: it suggests not merely a large appetite but a lack of restraint and an unwillingness to stop. Figuratively, a glutton may be someone eager to acquire or experience more of almost anything, such as praise, work, or money, though this extension is less common than the literal sense. “Glutton” has a more literary and less neutral tone than “gourmand,” which can positively suggest someone who enjoys good food. The related noun “gluttony” names the habit of eating excessively. As a verb, “glutton” is rare and literary, meaning to eat greedily. The word ultimately comes through Old French and Latin from Greek, where its ancestry connects it with sweetness and the pleasures of eating. Because it carries judgment, “glutton” is usually best reserved for clear, deliberate excess rather than ordinary enthusiasm or a healthy appetite.
A person who eats greedily or excessively; figuratively, a person whose desire for wealth, praise, work, or another resource is insatiable.
"He was a glutton for praise and could never resist a compliment."
The literal sense is dominant. The figurative sense is established but comparatively uncommon, and the word is normally disapproving.
To eat greedily or excessively.
"The hungry travelers gluttoned on the supplies they had brought."
This use is rare and literary; “ate greedily” or “ate ravenously” is more usual in everyday English.
The regular plural is “gluttons.”
"The gluttons competed to see who could clear the largest plate."
The word’s Greek ancestor, gloutōn, was associated with a love of things sweet—fittingly, a warning label for anyone helpless before dessert.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glutton come from?
Glutton entered Middle English from Old French glouton, a descendant of Latin gluto and its accusative form gluttonem, itself borrowed from Ancient Greek gloutōn. The Greek word is related to glýkys, meaning “sweet,” reflecting the idea of a sweet-toothed or excessively appreciative eater. Modern French glouton, Spanish glotón, and Italian ghiottone preserve cognates through Latin.
Related word forms
How glutton is actually used
The noun is generally disapproving, though it may be used playfully among friends. Figurative use is possible but less frequent than the literal sense. The verb is rare and literary rather than standard everyday usage.
Easily confused with glutton
A glut is an excessive supply or saturation, whereas a glutton is a person characterized by excessive eating or, figuratively, insatiable greed.