zestfulhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zestful_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezestful, adj.
Revised 2018

zestfuladjective

  1. 1.
    1797–
    figurative. Full of zest; invigorating, stimulating, enjoyable; lively, spirited; = zesty adj. 2. Cf. zest n.1 3, 4.
    1. 1797
      They frequently partook of banquets, rendered more zestful by the accompaniment of music and the display of artificial fireworks.
      G. Staunton, Abridged Account of Embassy to China v. 59
    2. 1850
      A zestful sort of place in which to spend a fortnight.
      Fraser's Magazine vol. 42 345
    3. 1857
      How..shall any man..abridge..twenty volumes of such zestful personalities?
      Fraser's Magazine vol. 56 601
    4. 1897
      He bent over and with much zestful splashing began his ablutions.
      W. W. Jacobs, Skipper's Wooing i
    5. 1923
      It is said they still enjoy an occasional zestful tramp on the ‘webs’ over leagues of new Manitoba snow.
      Beaver (Winnipeg) January 145
    6. 1986
      The consultant and his team lip-sync to the zestful vocals.
      D. Potter, Singing Detective i. 28
    7. 2003
      A fast-moving, zestful, stirring script that serves up corporate greed and capitalist compassion.
      Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 16 February 13
  2. 2.
    ?1855–
    literal. Of a taste, smell, or food: piquant, tangy, agreeably sharp; = zesty adj. 1. Cf. zest n.1 1, 2.
    1. ?1855
      They indulged in viands far more zestful.
      J. Wyatt, Mem. Corporation Bedford in Associated Archit. Soc. Rep. & Papers, 1854 vol. 3 173
    2. 1917
      Mint and Lime are tart and zestful flavors.
      Good Housekeeping June 84/1 (advertisement)
    3. 1937
      In a zestful Manhattan, vermouth finds its perfect affinity in Old Overholt, a..straight rye whiskey.
      Life 13 September (rear cover) (advertisement)
    4. 1999
      A sharp herbal hop character permeates this zestful, fruity brew with a mild finish.
      M. Dornan, Beverage Testing Institute's Buying Guide to Beer iii. 129
    5. 2016
      A mild wasabi dressing and slices of crispy red onion that neatly balance the nearly raw meat with a heated kick of zestful acidity.
      Newcastle (Australia) Herald (Nexis) 13 May (Lifestyle section)

Originally published as part of the entry for zest, n.¹

zestful, adj. was revised in June 2018.

zestful, adj. was last modified in September 2024.