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

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

These new owners expect their boats to be designed with beach clubs with gyms, saunas, massage areas that allow owners and guests to work out or relax, amidst warm sun rays and luscious sea breezes. —Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024

Inspired by the traditional treat, Blue Bell’s new Gooey Butter Cake features its Cake Batter Ice Cream combined with a luscious cream cheese swirl and rich, gooey butter cake pieces. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2024

Lady Gaga's 2010 MTV VMAs meat dress; Khan's signature fiery red hair; Diana Ross' luscious hair; Franklin's famous furs; Celine Dion's interview quirks and Mimi's signature whistle-note. —Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024

Sydney Sweeney, who’s known for her long, luscious, and voluminous blonde hair, pulled a Billie Eilish and did a total beauty 180 at the 2024 Oscars, debuting a—gasp!—bob. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024

Get The Recipe 02 of 23 Chocolate Buttercream Frosting This classic chocolate buttercream recipe is luscious, rich, and perfect for any dessert that needs a little bit of frosting. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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