luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs 

1

a

: having a delicious taste or smell : sweet

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

b

archaic : excessively sweet : cloying

2

: sexually attractive : seductive, sexy

a luscious actress

3

a

: richly luxurious or appealing to the senses

her luscious voice swelling and decaying with total control, her low notes booming sonorously

—Gary Giddins

b

: excessively ornate

rich and luscious phrases, thick with imagery

—Ruth Park

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun

Did you know?

Have you ever heard a young child describe a favorite food as “licius” instead of “delicious”? Back in the Middle Ages, the word licius was sometimes used as a shortened form of delicious by adults and kids alike. Linguists believe that luscious may have developed when licius (which comes from the Latin verb delicere, meaning “to entice by charm or attraction”) was further altered to lucius by 15th-century speakers. The adjective lush can sometimes mean “delicious” as well but is not a shortened form of luscious, having developed on its own from the Middle English lusch, meaning “soft or tender.”

Synonyms

• ambrosial
• appetizing
• dainty
• delectable
• delicious
• delish
• flavorful
• flavorsome
• lush
• mouthwatering
• palatable
• savory
• savoury
• scrumptious
• succulent
• tasteful
• tasty
• toothsome
• toothy
• yummy

Examples of luscious in a Sentence

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

a luscious strawberry bursting with juice

Recent Examples on the Web

Merit Merit Beauty Signature Lip Lightweight Satin Lipstick $26 Sephora $26 Merit Beauty These lipsticks look super kissable thanks to their luscious satin finish. —Loren Savini, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024

In this luscious Regency-era book, the inner workings of the Ton are explored, and this page-turner will keep you on the edge of your seat. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 25 Apr. 2024

How To Make Cheese Sauce for Broccoli or Cauliflower To make this sauce, a quick roux is prepared, with milk, cheese, and seasonings added in for a luscious result. —Cynthia Graubart, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024

Feathery embellishments, luscious fringe dresses, minimal floral prints, and lotus flower-hems took the runway as the designer crafted a versatile wardrobe. —Vogue, 6 Apr. 2024

Once cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer the collars and that luscious sauce to a plate, then top with chives, lime juice and sesame seeds. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

All fifty tables were adorned with a luscious arrangement of ranunculi in orange, pink, and yellow, contrasted with violet tablecloths and neon green name cards. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Music festival season is blooming out from under a pretty hefty snowpack in Tahoe, where the luscious WinterWonderGrass Festival at Palisades Tahoe returns with breakout Americana titan Sierra Ferrell leading the charge. —Aaron Davis, Sacramento Bee, 31 Mar. 2024

Here, the mint is blended with peas (another springtime favorite), butter and lemon juice to make a bright, luscious puree to accompany lamb chops. —Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lucius, perhaps alteration of licius, short for delicious

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs 

1

: having a delicious taste or smell

luscious berries

2

: appealing to the senses : delightful

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun