Zest
noun /zɛst/ — The aromatic outer peel of citrus; or great enthusiasm for life.
Definition
The outer peel of a citrus fruit used as a flavoring — containing the fragrant essential oils; by extension, lively enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment in any endeavour.
Beyond the definition
Zest is the word that holds both its meanings in productive tension. The zest of a lemon is the brightest, most aromatic part of the fruit — not the juice, not the flesh, but the intensely flavored outermost layer. Human zest is the same: the concentrated aliveness that some people carry, visible even in small gestures.
Origin & history
From French zeste (orange or lemon peel), of unknown origin. Used in English since the 17th century for citrus peel; the metaphorical meaning of enthusiasm developed in the 18th century.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
A teaspoon of lemon zest transformed the whole flavour of the pasta.
She approached every task with a zest that made her impossible not to enjoy working with.
He lost his zest sometime in his fifties — she watched it happen and wished she could give it back.
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 “Zest” when the meaning fits your context: The outer peel of a citrus fruit used as a flavoring — containing the fragrant essential oils; by extension, lively enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment in any endeavour.
Synonyms
enthusiasm, gusto, vivacity, citrus peel
Antonyms
apathy, listlessness, blandness
Related words
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
Releasing Scents in Garden
An adult walks through an herb garden, brushing their hand through foliage to release the aromatic scent into the air.
The act of brushing the herbs releases their essential oils, representing the zest of the plants. It captures both the fragrant aromatic quality of the herbs and the lively, enthusiastic energy of someone actively engaging with the natural world.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Zest" mean?
Zest is noun meaning: The aromatic outer peel of citrus; or great enthusiasm for life.. The outer peel of a citrus fruit used as a flavoring — containing the fragrant essential oils; by extension, lively enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment in any endeavour.
Where does the word "Zest" come from?
From French zeste (orange or lemon peel), of unknown origin. Used in English since the 17th century for citrus peel; the metaphorical meaning of enthusiasm developed in the 18th century.