gourmet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “gourmet” mean?
A person with refined and expert judgment in fine food and drink.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person with refined and expert judgment in fine food and drink; a connoisseur.
Relating to or characteristic of high-quality, sophisticated food and drink; often used to describe products, restaurants, or meals that are of superior quality and appeal to discerning tastes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Both use the term to refer to high-quality food/drink and the people who appreciate it. The pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
In both varieties, it can have slightly snobbish or elitist connotations if used in a critical way. Generally positive, implying sophistication.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written contexts (reviews, marketing) than everyday speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gourmet” in a Sentence
[gourmet] + noun (attributive use)a/the [gourmet] (nominal use)for the [gourmet] (prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gourmet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use.)
American English
- (No standard verb use.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use. 'In a gourmet way/style' is possible but rare.)
American English
- (No standard adverb use.)
adjective
British English
- We stopped at a lovely gourmet deli in the Cotswolds.
- He prepared a gourmet picnic for the regatta.
American English
- She bought some gourmet popcorn at the farmers market.
- The flight offered a surprisingly gourmet meal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in marketing, hospitality, and food retail (e.g., 'gourmet product line', 'gourmet catering service').
Academic
Rare in formal academic texts, but can appear in cultural studies, sociology of food, or hospitality management.
Everyday
Used in conversations about restaurants, cooking, or food shopping, sometimes humorously for simple treats ('my gourmet instant noodles').
Technical
Not a technical term. Used descriptively in culinary arts and food science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gourmet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gourmet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gourmet”
- Confusing 'gourmet' (refined taste) with 'gourmand' (one who enjoys eating, often to excess). Using 'gourmet' as a verb (*'to gourmet').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'gourmet' is not a standard verb in English. Use phrases like 'to eat gourmet food' or 'to cook gourmet meals'.
Primarily positive, describing high quality and sophistication. However, it can be used ironically or critically to imply pretentiousness or unnecessary expense (e.g., 'overpriced gourmet nonsense').
A 'foodie' is an enthusiastic amateur who loves all aspects of food, including casual and trendy eats. A 'gourmet' is more specific, implying expert knowledge and a focus on refined, high-quality cuisine.
In British English: /ˈɡɔːmeɪ/ (GOR-may). In American English: /ɡʊrˈmeɪ/ or /ˈɡʊrmeɪ/ (gur-MAY or GOOR-may).
A person with refined and expert judgment in fine food and drink.
Gourmet is usually formal to neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'gourmet'. Often part of descriptive phrases.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GOURmet' sounds like 'GOOD meal'. A gourmet wants a GOOD meal.
Conceptual Metaphor
REFINED TASTE IS A SKILL/EXPERTISE (e.g., 'He has a gourmet palate').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between a 'gourmet' and a 'gourmand'?