adjective / noun

gourmet

GOOR-may/ɡˈʊrmˌeɪ/

Concerned with discerning enjoyment of fine food.

The gourmet slowly savors a forkful of the elegantly prepared meal.

An older gourmet thoughtfully savors a small forkful of an elegantly prepared meal, with a glass of wine nearby, conveying both enjoyment and discerning attention to fine food and drink.

Etymology

gourmetOld Frenchwine-taster; wine merchant’s servant

Groume named a wine-taster or wine merchant’s servant; this specialized role broadened into the connoisseur of food and drink. The older word’s origin is uncertain.

In context

Timeline - World History Documentaries19:19

the monarch has become a gourmet honoring him will not be easy he is known to be fond of a new delicacy

The Fine Dining Of The Renaissance | Let's Cook History | Timeline

More examples

The shop sells gourmet cheeses from small dairies.
She prepares a gourmet dinner for their anniversary.
Even experienced gourmets admire the chef's delicate sauces.

Forms

gourmet · gourmets

Similar words

epicure: Names someone devoted to refined pleasures, especially food and drink.
foodie: Informally names a food enthusiast, without necessarily implying refined taste.