Zest of course, refers to tiny pieces of citrus rind that are used to brighten, or enhance, the flavor of food and beverages.

Creamy, rich, and topped with a bit of candied lime zest, they make a refreshing summer dessert.

Definition of zest noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Zest is a feeling of pleasure and enthusiasm. He retired from professional chess because he had lost the zest for winning.

zest (zɛst) n. 1. keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto. 2. an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something. 3. anything added to impart flavor or relish.

ZEST definition: keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto. See examples of zest used in a sentence.

Dec 14, 2025 · Borrowed from French zeste. [1] zest (countable and uncountable, plural zests) The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish. The orange zest gives the strong flavor in …

Jul 14, 2025 · Follow our guide to the best ways to zest a lemon and how to use lemon zest. Lemon zest is the secret to unlocking maximum lemon flavor in your cooking.

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zest, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

zest (zest), n. keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto. an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something. anything added to impart flavor, enhance one's appreciation, etc. piquancy; interest; …