degustation

USAGE SUMMARY

"degustation" is a correct word in written English.
It is a noun meaning a connoisseur's tasting or sampling of food or drink. For example, you could say: "My friends and I enjoyed a degustation of the chef's new menu at the restaurant last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hottest ticket in town was a sold-out seven-course degustation dinner but there were plenty of food stalls featuring local produce at the Taste of Tasmania foreshore party for those who missed out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But don't blow the budget on a new outfit because the degustation menu costs €80 (£67) for eight nouvelle cuisine courses without wine.

Independent

About 90km (55 miles) south-west of Prague, Pilsen is best known for its Skoda factory (00 420 737 247 585; techmania.cz) and Pilsner Urquell brewery (00 420 377 062 888; prazdrojvisit.cz), both of which will host some of the one million visitors the city expects this year: the former as a 3D planetarium, the latter as Pilsen's prime spot for beer degustation.

Independent

Earlier, at midnight, my artistic wife opts for dinosaur drawing classes while I head to the dining room for a five-course degustation of edible insects.

Independent

The hearty Bohemian tapas were, however, perhaps not the best idea before an 11-course degustation dinner, with eight wines.

Independent

And now a lot of chefs are flirting with having a vegetarian degustation menu.

Independent

A degustation platter (£12) of miniature helpings is a real tease, making me sorry I didn't order every one of them as a full serve.

Independent

When there was enough for a degustation, as Syrnikov called it, everyone tried a shot.

The New Yorker

When such practices were all but unheard of in America, particularly in the Midwest, Mr. Trotter created a European-style degustation menu, a vegetarian tasting menu and a raw-food tasting menu.

The New York Times - Food

The scene resembles a religious procession, not the opening salvo of a 22-course degustation menu.

The New York Times - Travel

Chef's Degustation Menu (recommended), 125 lira per person without wine.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "degustation" to describe a carefully curated and often multi-course tasting experience, especially in formal dining contexts. The term implies a sophisticated appreciation of flavors and textures.

Common error

Avoid using "degustation" in casual settings. Opt for simpler terms like "tasting" or "sampling" when the context is informal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "degustation" is as a noun, referring to the act of tasting attentively, especially in a culinary context. Ludwig AI confirms that "degustation" is grammatically correct and used to describe a tasting or sampling of food or drink.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

30%

Food

25%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "degustation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in food, travel, and lifestyle writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, defining it as a connoisseur's tasting or sampling. While alternatives like "tasting menu" exist, "degustation" carries a certain air of formality and sophistication. When aiming for clarity in more casual settings, opt for simpler terms. Use "degustation" to vividly capture the essence of a carefully planned culinary experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasting experience

Broader term encompassing various sensory elements.

tasting menu

Refers specifically to a menu offering a selection of small dishes.

sampling menu

Similar to tasting menu, but emphasizes sampling various items.

food tasting

More general term for sampling food items.

chef's tasting

Highlights the chef's selection of dishes.

wine tasting

Specifically for sampling wines.

flight of flavors

A more evocative way to describe a tasting experience.

culinary journey

Emphasizes the progression and experience of a tasting.

epicurean adventure

Highlights the adventurous and pleasurable aspects of tasting.

multi-course meal

Focuses on the number of courses rather than the tasting aspect.

FAQs

How to use "degustation" in a sentence?

You can say, "The restaurant offers a seven-course "degustation" menu featuring local ingredients".

What does a "degustation" menu usually include?

A "degustation" menu typically includes a series of small, carefully prepared dishes designed to showcase the chef's skill and the flavors of the ingredients.

Is "degustation" the same as a "tasting menu"?

Yes, "degustation" and "tasting menu" are often used interchangeably, although "degustation" might imply a slightly more refined or elaborate experience.

What can I say instead of "degustation"?

You can use alternatives like "tasting menu", "food tasting", or "sampling menu" depending on the context.