luscious

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adjective lus·cious \ ˈlə-shəs \

Definition of luscious

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 sonorously
—Gary Giddins

b :excessively ornate

rich and luscious phrases, thick with imagery
—Ruth Park

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lusciously

adverb

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lusciousness

noun

See luscious defined for English-language learners

See luscious defined for kids

luscious was our Word of the Day on 05/18/2017. Hear the podcast!

Examples of luscious in a Sentence

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping
a luscious strawberry bursting with juice

Recent Examples of luscious from the Web

Zucca brings not only these luscious squash blossoms but also an unadulterated Italian experience with regional specialties from Sicily to Liguria.

— victoria pesce elliott, miamiherald, "This new Italian restaurant spotted our food critic on one visit. Would it affect the experience?," 25 Aug. 2017
Consider the image above, of a boy who bears no trace of decay in his luscious round face.

— nancy west, The Atlantic, "Pictures of Death," 19 July 2017
Luscious segments of soft-poached and charred leeks are smothered in creamy hollandaise sharpened with mustard.

— mike sula, Chicago Reader, "Daisies pushes pasta in a midwestern direction," 19 July 2017
And an additional $5 each morning for a breakfast that included luscious fresh fruit, eggs and coffee.

— marla jo fisher, idahostatesman, "Why you should get to Cuba now," 14 July 2017
The brushstrokes are luscious and highlight the Sophia Loren-like beauty's timeless elegance and confidence.

— steve johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Directors' choice: Museum heads pick their favorite objects," 7 July 2017
Avocado and coconut ice cream Serves 6 (makes 1 quart) Neither eggs nor dairy is required for this luscious frozen treat, which gets its creamy texture from pureed avocado and rich coconut milk.

— kristen hartke, sacbee.com, "Avocado has a sweet side, and it’s delicious," 4 July 2017
Avocado and coconut ice cream Serves 6 (makes 1 quart) Neither eggs nor dairy is required for this luscious frozen treat, which gets its creamy texture from pureed avocado and rich coconut milk.

— kristen hartke, sacbee, "Avocado has a sweet side, and it’s delicious," 4 July 2017
The official TSA stance on beards is that there is none, but anecdotal evidence supports that a luscious beard isn't safe from an agent's probing fingers.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "The TSA Loves to Get Handsy with Jason Mantzoukas," 30 June 2017

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.

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."

Origin and Etymology of luscious

Middle English lucius, perhaps alteration of licius, short for delicious

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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luscious Synonyms

LUSCIOUS Defined for English Language Learners

luscious

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adjective

Definition of luscious for English Language Learners

: having a very appealing taste or smell
: richly appealing
: very physically attractive

LUSCIOUS Defined for Kids

luscious

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adjective lus·cious \ ˈlə-shəs \

Definition of luscious for Students

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