luscious

adjective

lus·cious | \ ˈlə-shəs

How to pronounce luscious (audio)

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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

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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 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 And a 12-ounce rib-eye came with a shimmering cast-iron sear and a luscious cloak of bearnaise ($45). — Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "5 great surf-and-turf, steak and lobster combos at San Antonio restaurants for Valentine's Day: Rebelle, Silo Prime, Bohanan's, J-Prime, Signature," 4 Feb. 2021 Try red-wine pasta with chestnuts and pancetta, or fettuccine with a luscious mushroom ragù. — Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, "Pici Pan Cotto," 16 Jan. 2021 Here, expressions of the grape can be luscious and generously fruited. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "5 Things to know about Cabernet Sauvignon, America’s most important wine grape," 13 Oct. 2016 It’s a luscious, emotional drama that demands your attention and rewards it. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, "The 100 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now," 16 Jan. 2021 Today, Wilson’s decision to hold out is reaping luscious fruit. — Jake Lamar, The New Republic, "August Wilson’s Uncompromising Vision for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," 14 Jan. 2021 The costumes and sets are luscious and eye-catching (if sometimes garish). — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "Review: Netflix's magnificent 'Bridgerton' glitters with period drama glory," 25 Dec. 2020 Ashley Mac’s in Birmingham is beloved for its creamy pimento cheese, flavorful poppyseed chicken and luscious strawberry cake. — Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, "Alabama chef’s ‘reindeer food’ is a Christmas tradition," 21 Dec. 2020 Great American work from living and dead artists, luscious gardens, and a commitment to serve the public, even amid COVID. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, "Reynolda House Leads the Way, in Charm and Welcome," 12 Dec. 2020

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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Last Updated

21 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Luscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luscious. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for luscious

luscious

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of luscious

: having a very appealing taste or smell

: richly appealing

informal : very physically attractive

See the full definition for luscious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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

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