luscious

lus·cious | \ ˈlə-shəs

How to pronounce luscious (audio)

\

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 Perfect tarts, luscious eclairs, lavender mousse covered in white chocolate glaze are truly loves at first bites. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "The best dessert bars and chocolate shops in and around Indianapolis," 11 Feb. 2020 The translations that follow read like a reclamation of the more tangible details of his life, which turn out to be more luscious than any Swiss postcard. — BostonGlobe.com, "WELLESLEY — Kanishka Raja, a painter who died last year at 49 from cancer, forcefully and exuberantly made art that dissolved boundaries. The work now feels urgent, and like a salve.," 24 Oct. 2019 His touch is not as luscious or seductive as that of Alexandre Tharaud, whose recording of 19 of the sonatas (Erato, 2011) offers more mystery and sensual atmosphere, as in the dark guitarlike strumming of the G Minor sonata (K. 8). — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, "A Sprawling Recording Focuses on Scarlatti’s Sonatas," 27 Dec. 2019 Could the food at Alma Cocina Latina be as luscious without one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top talents at the helm? — Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, "Tom Sietsema’s 8 favorite places to eat right now," 17 Dec. 2019 These tend to be bigger, more luscious and intensely fragrant. — Nick Kindelsperger, chicagotribune.com, "The best tamales in Chicago, from Mexican to Peruvian to Delta options," 5 Dec. 2019 The whole thing is as luscious as one of Mrs. Patmore’s puddings. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, "Readers and Writers: Wrap up your outdoor fall chores and settle in with a good read," 27 Oct. 2019 Featuring the luscious vocals of soul singer Aloe Blacc, the lead single off Tim sounds a lot like an invitation to come out of the darkness and into the light. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "The 50 Best Dance Songs of 2019: Staff List," 20 Dec. 2019 But don't dally: This is a holiday exclusive and is only available for a limited time. Ion Curl & Style Styling Kit ($39.99; sallybeauty.com) Who doesn't love luscious curls? — CNN Underscored, "Save up to 50% on beauty and grooming during Sally Beauty's 12 days of deals," 13 Dec. 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about luscious

Listen to Our Podcast about luscious

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries near luscious

Statistics for luscious

Last Updated

17 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Luscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luscious. Accessed 19 Feb. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

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

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

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

eradicate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.

discretely discreetly

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.