gourmet

American  

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

noun

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

   Synonyms:

   bon vivant, gastronome

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of gourmet

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

Example Sentences

But not all of the artist’s works have a gourmet bent — she also creates celestial goddesses and nature-inspired divas, and made a series devoted to the Major Arcana of tarot.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

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

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

The cinema chain runs 49 venues across the UK and is known for its luxury seating and gourmet menus.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Moving into the chef’s kitchen, there is a large brick wood oven, and “chef-inspired gourmet kit with top-of-the-line appliances, a spacious walk-in pantry, a butler’s pantry,” as per the listing.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 26, 2025

She said that the chickens at this plant were special gourmet chickens that Mr. Lyndon’s wife served guests at the mansion.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata