epicureanism

noun

ep·​i·​cu·​re·​an·​ism ˌe-pi-kyu̇-ˈrē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce epicureanism (audio)
-ˈkyu̇r-ē-
1
capitalized
a
: the philosophy of Epicurus who subscribed to a hedonistic ethics that considered an imperturbable emotional calm the highest good and whose followers held intellectual pleasures superior to transient sensualism
b
: a way of life in accord with Epicureanism
2

Examples of epicureanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Babur’s epicureanism was part of a longstanding culture of feasting in the Islamic world. Amy Crawford, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024 Small-s stoicism has little to do with classical Stoicism, of course, just as cynicism has little to do with classical Cynicism and epicureanism has little to do with classical Epicureanism. Tom Bissell, Harper's Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epicureanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of epicureanism was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near epicureanism

Cite this Entry

“Epicureanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epicureanism. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

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