Gourmand
noun /ˈɡʊər.mənd/ — A person who enjoys eating and often eats too much; an enthusiastic eater.
Definition
A person who enjoys eating and often eats to excess. Originally a critical term, 'gourmand' is now more neutral — distinguishing from the 'gourmet', who values quality over quantity. The gourmand loves food with unreserved enthusiasm.
Beyond the definition
The gourmand is the one who finishes the bowl and asks if there's more. They bring to the table what food deserves: complete, shameless devotion.
Origin & history
French: 'gourmand' (glutton, greedy eater). Distinct from 'gourmet' (connoisseur of fine food). The distinction: the gourmet cares about quality; the gourmand cares about quantity — or both.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She was unapologetically a gourmand — not ashamed of loving food more than most people considered polite.
The gourmand and the gourmet are not opposites; the best food lovers are both.
He arrived at the feast as a genuine gourmand — prepared to eat everything, regret nothing.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Gourmand” when the meaning fits your context: A person who enjoys eating and often eats to excess. Originally a critical term, 'gourmand' is now more neutral — distinguishing from the 'gourmet', who values quality over quantity. The gourmand loves food with unreserved enthusiasm.
Synonyms
glutton, food-lover, trencherman, bon vivant
Antonyms
ascetic, abstainer, picky eater
Related words
Gourmand vs gourmet
A gourmand is often characterized by the sheer volume of food consumed and an intense enthusiasm for eating. A gourmet is an expert judge who prioritizes the quality, nuance, and preparation of fine food.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Chef Preparing Vegetables
A chef is at a prep station, using precise movements to julienne vegetables for a dish.
While this image focuses on skill, it represents the gourmand's enthusiasm for food preparation and the ingredients themselves. It shows the deep involvement with the items that the gourmand enjoys with unreserved passion.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Gourmand" mean?
Gourmand is noun meaning: A person who enjoys eating and often eats too much; an enthusiastic eater.. A person who enjoys eating and often eats to excess. Originally a critical term, 'gourmand' is now more neutral — distinguishing from the 'gourmet', who values quality over quantity. The gourmand loves food with unreserved enthusiasm.
Where does the word "Gourmand" come from?
French: 'gourmand' (glutton, greedy eater). Distinct from 'gourmet' (connoisseur of fine food). The distinction: the gourmet cares about quality; the gourmand cares about quantity — or both.