English Reference

Word

gastronomy

Phoneticsgas·tron·o·my, stress on the second syllable

US/ɡæˈstɹɑnəmi/

UK/ɡæstɹˈɒnəmi/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. the art and study of good food and cooking, including how meals are made and enjoyed. You use it when you talk about fine food as a culture, not just eating to stay full.

n. the art and science of selecting, preparing, and appreciating fine food and drink. It covers culinary traditions, techniques, and cultural practices surrounding eating.

Examples

“She studies gastronomy and loves French cooking.”

“The festival celebrates local gastronomy with tastings, chef talks, and market tours.”

“His book traces how regional gastronomy preserves history, blending peasant traditions with modern techniques to create a cuisine that feels both rooted and inventive.”

Examples

simple

“She studies gastronomy and loves French cooking.”

contextual

“The festival celebrates local gastronomy with tastings, chef talks, and market tours.”

complex

“His book traces how regional gastronomy preserves history, blending peasant traditions with modern techniques to create a cuisine that feels both rooted and inventive.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gastronomy” in context.

Verb

01. celebrate gastronomy

“The festival celebrates gastronomy with chefs, farmers and food writers.”

verb + noun

02. explore gastronomy

“Visitors can explore gastronomy through markets, tastings and cooking classes.”

verb + noun

03. gastronomy evolves

“As tastes change, gastronomy evolves to embrace healthier, plant-based ideas.”

noun + verb

04. gastronomy flourishes

“Where farming and fishing are strong, gastronomy flourishes naturally.”

noun + verb

05. gastronomy thrives

“In the Basque Country, gastronomy thrives in both bars and fine restaurants.”

noun + verb

Adjective

06. french gastronomy

“French gastronomy was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.”

adj + noun

07. local gastronomy

“Tourists come to San Sebastian to experience authentic local gastronomy.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. capital of gastronomy

“Lyon is often called the capital of gastronomy in France.”

noun + prep + noun

09. history of gastronomy

“This course explores the history of gastronomy from ancient feasts to today.”

noun + prep + noun

10. a passion for gastronomy

“His passion for gastronomy led him to open a tasting-menu restaurant.”

11. at the forefront of gastronomy

“Copenhagen is now at the forefront of gastronomy with its New Nordic cuisine.”

12. celebrate local gastronomy

“The annual festival was created to celebrate local gastronomy and regional producers.”

Real-World Examples

“To some locals, Chengdu’s easy-going vibe can even be traced back to its gastronomy.”
BBC 11 Nov 2020

Etymology

From French gastronomie, from Ancient Greek γαστρονομία (gastronomía), from γαστήρ (gastḗr, “stomach”) + νόμος (nómos, “knowledge, law”); by surface analysis, gastro- (“cooking”) + -nomy (“a system of rules or laws about a particular field”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference