gourmandize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Literary/Archaic)Formal, Literary, Often Humorous or Archaic
Quick answer
What does “gourmandize” mean?
To eat food greedily and excessively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To eat food greedily and excessively.
To indulge in gluttony; to engage in excessive, often self-indulgent, consumption of food and drink.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Extremely rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary or humorous contexts, but effectively obsolete in general use.
Connotations
Humorous exaggeration, archaic flair, or moral disapproval.
Frequency
Near-zero frequency in contemporary corpora for both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “gourmandize” in a Sentence
[Subject] gourmandizes[Subject] gourmandizes on [Object][Subject] gourmandizes [Object] (rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gourmandize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the wedding, the guests proceeded to gourmandize on the vast array of desserts.
- The Victorian moralists warned against the sin of gourmandizing.
American English
- He would gourmandize on Thanksgiving turkey and pies until he was fit to burst.
- The cartoon character is depicted gourmandizing an entire cake in one panel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or literary studies discussing themes of gluttony.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gourmandize”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gourmandize”
- Using it to mean 'to eat like a gourmet' (incorrect).
- Confusing it with the more common noun 'gourmand'.
- Misspelling as 'gourmetize'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Gourmandize' is a verb meaning to eat gluttonously. 'Gourmet' is a noun or adjective referring to a connoisseur of fine food and drink, with positive connotations of expertise and refinement.
No, it is considered archaic or highly literary. In modern English, words like 'gorge', 'overindulge', or 'pig out' (informal) are used instead.
In British English: /ˈɡʊə.mən.daɪz/. In American English: /ˈɡʊr.mən.daɪz/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Almost never. Its core meaning is intrinsically negative, focusing on excess and lack of restraint, unlike the more positive 'feast' or 'banquet'.
To eat food greedily and excessively.
Gourmandize is usually formal, literary, often humorous or archaic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOURMAND (a person who enjoys food) getting supersized - a GOURMAND-IZE - which turns their enjoyment into excessive greed.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS FUEL (consumed excessively); EATING IS A VICE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the modern usage of 'to gourmandize'?