gourmet

American  

[goor-mey, goor-mey] / gʊərˈmeɪ, ˈgʊər meɪ /

noun

1. a connoisseur of fine food and drink; epicure.

   Synonyms:

   bon vivant, gastronome

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adjective

1. of or characteristic of a gourmet, especially in involving or purporting to involve high-quality or exotic ingredients and skilled preparation.

   gourmet meals; gourmet cooking.

2. elaborately equipped for the preparation of fancy, specialized, or exotic meals.

   a gourmet kitchen.

gourmet British  

/ ɡurmɛ, ˈɡʊəmeɪ /

noun

1. a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink

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Etymology

Origin of gourmet

1810–20; < French; Old French gromet, grommes valet (especially of a wine merchant)

Example Sentences

He came with his wife of more than 40 years, Lori, and the evening’s festivities were organized by his daughter Madison, who joined Nvidia in 2020 after several years serving as a gourmet chef.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom property also features a gourmet kitchen as well as an additional guesthouse that is described as being the ideal spot for a home office or “state-of-the-art fitness studio.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Something snacky + local: fruit, gourmet crackers, local crisps, or a small bag from a neighborhood bakery or market.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

Frances Hughes, co-founder of online wholesale marketplace Starch, said there’s no question that gourmet sweet treats are still in vogue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

Emmett will get to shop at the gourmet grocer in Milford, which is only thirty minutes from Fairview, but a world away in excellent ingredients.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers