zest

/zɛst/

/zɛst/

Other forms: zests

Zest is a kind of zeal or enthusiasm. If you've got a zest for something, you put your whole heart and soul into it. Dancers who have great zest leap, kick, and soar their way around the stage with a kind of joyful energy.

Oddly enough, zest can also be the outer peel of a lemon or orange, which chefs scrape into their dishes when they want to add some tartness and tanginess to a recipe. People who live with that same kind of spice are said to have a "zest for life." In other words, they live their lives with a lot of flavor and gusto. A student who has a zest for learning dives into her books with an enjoyment and relish most people reserve for their wedding day.

Definitions of zest
  1. noun
    a tart spicy quality
    synonyms: nip, piquance, piquancy, piquantness, tang, tanginess
    see moresee less
    type of:
    spice, spicery, spiciness
    the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored
  2. noun
    the outer part of the peel of a citrus fruit, used as flavoring
    see moresee less
    type of:
    flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoner, seasoning
    something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts
  3. verb
    add herbs or spices to
    synonyms: spice, spice up
    see moresee less
    types:
    ginger
    add ginger to in order to add flavor
    pepper
    add pepper to
    type of:
    flavor, flavour, season
    lend flavor to
  4. noun
    vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
    synonyms: gusto, relish, zestfulness
    see moresee less
    type of:
    enjoyment
    the pleasure felt when having a good time
    enthusiasm
    a feeling of excitement
Pronunciation
US

/zɛst/
UK

/zɛst/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘zest'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing zest

Operation Sisterhood
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

When eleven-year-old Tokunbo Marshall moves with her mother into a Harlem brownstone, she must adjust to an extended family that includes three new sisters who see everything in life as a possible project in their self-designed education.

Mardi Gras: Food

French for "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras originated as a celebration of spring and evolved into an indulgent period often followed by fasting and sacrifice. It is an opportunity to have some Fun, Food, and Faith.

Kirstie Alley (1951–2022) Tribute List

Kirstie Alley was an actress of film and television for three decades. Best known for her breakout role as Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom Cheers, Kirstie also starred in the highly popular Look Who's Talking films. Nominated for several awards during her career, she won two Emmys, two People's Choice Awards, and a Golden Globe. Using articles, quotes, obituary comments, and biographical data, this tribute highlights her iconic personality and acting accomplishments.

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