noun · verb · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/zɛst/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
General-American:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɛst
CMU ARPABET:Z EH1 S T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The orange zest gives the strong flavor in this dish.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
General vibrance of flavour.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
I add zest to the meat by rubbing it with a spice mixture before grilling.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; exciting and interesting; relish or gusto; a state of being zesty.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, countable, uncountable
Examples
Auntie Mame had a real zest for life.
1728, Edward Young, Love of Fame, the Universal Passion, Satire II in The Works of the Reverend Edward Young, London: P. Brown, H. Hill & S. Payne, 1765, Volume I, p. 85, Almighty vanity! to thee they owe Their zest of pleasure, and their balm of woe.
1807, Thomas Cogan, An Ethical Treatise on the Passions, Bath: Hazard & Binns, Part 1, Disquisition 1, Chapter 1, Section 1 “On the utility of the Passions and Affections,” p. 51, Liberality of disposition and conduct gives the highest zest and relish to social intercourse.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, rare, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
State of being a flamboyant or effeminate homosexual.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, derogatory, slang, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To scrape the zest from a fruit.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: cooking, food, lifestyle
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To make more zesty.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
noun
Meaning 8
a tart spicy quality
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
