zest

[ zest ]

noun

1. keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto.
2. an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something.
3. anything added to impart flavor, enhance one's appreciation, etc.
4. piquancy; interest; charm.

   Synonyms: tang, spice

5. liveliness or energy; animating spirit.
6. the peel, especially the thin outer peel, of a citrus fruit used for flavoring:

   lemon zest.

verb (used with object)

1. to give zest, relish, or piquancy to.

zest

/ zɛst /

noun

1. invigorating or keen excitement or enjoyment

   a zest for living

2. added interest, flavour, or charm; piquancy

   her presence gave zest to the occasion

3. something added to give flavour or relish
4. the peel or skin of an orange or lemon, used as flavouring in drinks, etc

verb

1. tr to give flavour, interest, or piquancy to

Derived Forms

• ˈzestfully, adverb
• ˈzesty, adjective
• ˈzestful, adjective
• ˈzestless, adjective
• ˈzestfulness, noun

Other Words From

• zestless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

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

Example Sentences

“You can apply absolutely any flavor profile to a loaf cake, but my favorite is still a plain one with lots of lemon zest and a little lemon juice added for flavor,” she said, before adding, “Also, carrot cake is delicious as a loaf.”

From Salon

It’s filled with colorful side characters, like the sprightly Pinky, whose zest for life has not been tempered by her own past tragedies.

From Los Angeles Times

The cream sauce is steeped with flavor from the flambéed Grand Marnier, as well as fresh orange segments and zest, shallots and tomatoes.

From Salon

It is the nucleus of “Encuentros,” packed with a killer electric guitar solo, a nod to La Factoria’s 2006 reggaeton hit “Perdóname,” and sprinkled zest of the late Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla.

From Los Angeles Times

When South Africa openers Wolvaardt and Brits approached the start of the chase with real zest, reaching 17-0 off two overs, it felt inevitable they would knock the runs off in no time.

From BBC

Related Words

• flavoring
• ginger
• salt
• seasoning
• spice