noun
epicure
EP-ih-kyoor/ˈepɪkjʊr/
A person who enjoys and appreciates fine food and drink.
The epicure thoughtfully savors a small bite beside a carefully paired wine.
Etymology
Epicurus's association with pleasure turned his name into a label for someone devoted to sensual enjoyment. The refined-food sense gives that association a favorable emphasis: cultivated taste rather than mere indulgence.
In context
… thus an Epicure will eat even macaroni with his fingers …
More examples
- The restaurant's seasonal menu attracts epicures from across the city.
- My uncle is an epicure who takes cheese shopping seriously.
- Even a demanding epicure can appreciate a simple, beautifully cooked meal.
Forms
epicure · epicures
epicurean adjective — Relating to refined food and drink.
Similar words
- gourmet
- Emphasizes knowledgeable judgment of fine food as well as enjoyment.
- gourmand
- Emphasizes enthusiastic eating and can suggest excess rather than refinement.