glutton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, sometimes humorous
Quick answer
What does “glutton” mean?
A person who eats and drinks excessively or greedily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who eats and drinks excessively or greedily.
A person with an excessive capacity or appetite for something, often work, punishment, or experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use the extended metaphorical sense equally.
Connotations
Equally negative/judgmental in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English in its literal sense; the extended metaphorical sense is equally frequent in both.
Grammar
How to Use “glutton” in a Sentence
[be] a glutton[be] a glutton for [noun][verb] like a gluttonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glutton” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb 'glutton' is archaic. Modern usage: 'to gluttonise' is rare. Prefer 'to gorge oneself'.
American English
- As in British English. 'He tends to gluttonize at holiday meals' is understood but extremely uncommon.
adverb
British English
- The adverb is 'gluttonously'. 'He ate gluttonously, not speaking to anyone.'
American English
- 'She piled her plate gluttonously high at the buffet.'
adjective
British English
- The adjective is 'gluttonous'. 'His gluttonous habits were evident from the empty wrappers.'
American English
- 'She gave him a gluttonous look as the dessert tray passed by.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'He's a glutton for data, always demanding more reports.'
Academic
Rare; appears in literary analysis or historical/social commentary on consumption.
Everyday
Used literally to criticize someone's eating habits, or humorously/metaphorically.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glutton”
- Using 'glutton' as a verb (incorrect: 'He gluttons on cake.'). The verb form is 'gluttonize' (very rare) or more commonly 'to eat like a glutton'.
- Confusing 'glutton' (negative) with 'gourmet'/'foodie' (positive).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It inherently carries a negative judgement of excess and lack of control. For positive connotations, use 'food lover', 'gourmet', or 'enthusiast'.
No. It's a common idiom meaning a person who habitually takes on difficult, unpleasant, or arduous tasks without complaint.
A 'glutton' is purely negative (excessive, greedy). A 'gourmand' can be neutral or slightly negative, implying someone who enjoys good food and drink, often in large quantities, but with more discernment than a glutton.
No. 'Glutton' is gender-neutral. Archaic or rare terms like 'gluttoness' exist but are obsolete. The same word applies to all genders.
A person who eats and drinks excessively or greedily.
Glutton is usually formal, literary, sometimes humorous in register.
Glutton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlʌt.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlʌt.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a glutton for punishment”
- “a glutton for work”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GLUT of food + TON (a ton of food) = someone who eats a glut/ton of food.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESSIVE APPETITE IS GREED / CONSUMPTION IS A MORAL FAILING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses 'glutton' correctly in a modern, metaphorical sense?