What does gourmet mean?
Gourmet is an English word with both noun and adjective uses. As a noun, it refers to someone knowledgeable about and appreciative of fine food and drink, especially a person who understands the ingredients, preparation, and provenance of dishes. As an adjective, it describes food, cooking, restaurants, or cuisine distinguished by quality and refinement. The term often carries an aura of luxury, sophistication, and culinary expertise, although it can be used informally or in advertising with a less precise promotional effect. In everyday speech, a gourmet is not simply someone who eats a great deal: the emphasis is on informed appreciation rather than appetite alone. The word is common in both British and American English and appears in expressions involving gourmet chefs, coffee, cuisine, and dining. Its French origin reflects the cultural importance of eating well and knowing how to evaluate good food.
A person who is knowledgeable about and appreciative of fine food and drink.
"Each gourmet offered a different explanation of the dish's regional origins."
The term normally implies informed appreciation or expertise and is somewhat more formal than the informal word foodie.
Relating to or characteristic of food, cooking, or cuisine valued for its quality, refinement, or sophisticated preparation.
"The restaurant specializes in gourmet meals made with carefully selected ingredients."
This use is common in food, restaurant, hospitality, and retail contexts and can have a promotional tone.
The plural refers to people who appreciate or are knowledgeable about fine food and drink.
"The gourmets debated the provenance of the truffles and the best way to serve them."
A gourmet is not necessarily a glutton: the key is discernment, not quantity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gourmet come from?
The English word appeared in the early 17th century as a borrowing of French gourmet, a term for a person who appreciates good food. Its deeper history is shared with Old French gourmand, meaning “greedy” or “gluttonous,” and with related words such as gourmandise and gourmandism. The English sense developed toward the modern idea of culinary discernment and expertise rather than simple greed.
Related word forms
How gourmet is actually used
As a noun, the word traditionally suggests knowledge and appreciation of fine food. As an adjective, it can sound formal or promotional and is sometimes used loosely to imply luxury or sophistication.
Easily confused with gourmet
A gourmet appreciates fine food with discernment, whereas a gourmand is characterized by a strong or greedy appetite.