Main Entry:

vo·lup·tu·ous

Pronunciation:

\və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs, -shəs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will

Date:

14th century

1 a: full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious <a voluptuous dance> <voluptuous ornamentation> <a voluptuous wine> b: suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form <voluptuous nudes>2: given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications <a long and voluptuous holiday — Edmund Wilson>

synonyms see sensuous

— vo·lup·tu·ous·ly adverb

— vo·lup·tu·ous·ness noun