luscious

adjective

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lus·cious | \ ˈlə-shəs

Definition of luscious

1a : 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

3a : 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

Other Words from luscious Synonyms & Antonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About luscious

Did you know?

Have you ever heard a young child say something is "licius" when he or she really means it's "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 developed when licius was further altered to lucius by 15th-century speakers. Both words ultimately derive from the Latin verb delicere, meaning "to entice by charm or attraction." The adjective lush, which can sometimes mean "delicious" as well, is not a shortened form of luscious; it derived 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 The Shampoo from Blu Atlas is a master formulation of nature’s best minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, all combined to bring clean luscious locks. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 May 2022 In fact, just as soon as Dulcich’s coaches finish weighing in on his luscious locks, their tone gathers some immediacy. — Parker Gabriel, USA TODAY, 18 May 2022 My grandmother was a ballerina and used to have long, beautiful, luscious hair. — Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 Apr. 2022 Strong, luscious hair is in, but keep in mind that healthy hair starts from within. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Apr. 2022 Its meaty texture and flavor coupled with agar came together like vegan alchemy to create a bite of dumpling that is remarkably luscious, satisfying and close to its meat counterpart in flavor. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 As one of Trinidad and Tobago’s unofficial national dishes (callaloo is another), pelau is a homegrown darling and its widespread appeal goes beyond its luscious and spiky bite. — Bon Appétit, 17 Mar. 2022 The beach town of Bluefields is the gateway to the charming Corn Islands and Pearl Keys, full of luscious creole cuisine, crystal blue lagoons and stunning white sand beaches. — Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2022 This luscious stream just keeps going and going and going. — Ginny Hogan, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'luscious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near luscious

Luscinia

luscious

lush

Statistics for luscious

Last Updated

28 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Luscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luscious. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for luscious

luscious

adjective

lus·cious | \ ˈlə-shəs

Kids Definition of luscious

1 : having a delicious taste or smell Children gathered around and stared longingly at the luscious fruit while the adults gulped with their mouths watering.— Grace Lin, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

2 : delightful to hear, see, or feel a luscious singing voice