luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs How to pronounce luscious (audio)
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 sonorouslyGary Giddins
b
: excessively ornate
rich and luscious phrases, thick with imageryRuth 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.”

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the photos, the happy couple is surrounded by luscious greenery, towering trees, stones and pink, red and white flowers. Colson Thayer, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 From pin-straight recession brunette tresses to luscious D Hair Boutique extensions, her reunion moment was her signature style but with a more drenching wet, model-esque feel. Essence, 25 Aug. 2025 And while the cake is divine on its own, a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream takes it to a whole new level, providing a luscious contrast that's simply irresistible. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025 This is a magical mix of luscious fruit, aromatic herbs and fiery spice. Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luscious

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of luscious was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Luscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luscious. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

luscious

adjective
lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs How to pronounce luscious (audio)
1
: having a delicious taste or smell
luscious berries
2
: appealing to the senses : delightful
lusciously adverb
lusciousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on luscious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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