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

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

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

“Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor, and genuine zest for life. Her memory will live eternally in our hearts.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Persichitti's friend of 46 years, Pastor William Leone, told WHAM-TV "he had a real zest for living" and would visit children in local schools to talk to about his experiences.

From BBC

Related Words

• flavoring
• ginger
• salt
• seasoning
• spice