epicure

[ ep-i-kyoor ]

noun

1. a person who cultivates a refined taste, especially in food and wine; connoisseur.

   Synonyms: epicurean, gourmet, gastronome

   Antonyms: ascetic

2. Archaic. a person dedicated to sensual enjoyment.

   Synonyms: gourmand, sensualist, voluptuary

epicure

/ ˈɛpɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink; gourmet
2. a person devoted to sensual pleasures

Derived Forms

• ˈepicurˌism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicure¹

1350–1400 for earlier sense; 1555–65 epicure fordef 2; Middle English Epicures, Epicureis Epicureans (plural) < Latin Epicūrēus (singular) ( epicurean )

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicure¹

C16: from Medieval Latin epicūrus, after Epicurus; see Epicurean

Example Sentences

Eat: Skip the restaurant and prepare your meals with local epicure; perhaps your couch host can assist.

From The Daily Beast

It does not contain great pieces, but tit-bits of pictures, such as suit an aristocratic epicure.

From Project Gutenberg

Much as I abhor the title of an epicure, on the other hand I feel proud of the title of genuine Epicurean.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a great deal of very cheap food, which an epicure might desire, but which the poor have never been taught to prepare.

From Project Gutenberg

True that their cooking is of the rudest and simplest, and their taste not so fastidious as that of an European epicure!

From Project Gutenberg

Such delights an epicure might have grudged us, but no epicure ever brought the sharp tooth shared by us three.

From Project Gutenberg