luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs 

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

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun

Did you know?

Have you ever heard a young child describe a favorite food as “licius” instead of “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 may have developed when licius (which comes from the Latin verb delicere, meaning “to entice by charm or attraction”) was further altered to lucius by 15th-century speakers. The adjective lush can sometimes mean “delicious” as well but is not a shortened form of luscious, having developed on its own from the Middle English lusch, meaning “soft or tender.”

Synonyms of luscious

• delicious

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 couple’s four cats, with their luscious white fur, get to explore the whole thing. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026

Adding crushed pineapple for extra moisture and sweetness as well as a luscious Buttermilk Glaze makes this truly the Best Carrot Cake. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026

The pan sauce is luscious, savory, and thick without landing heavy. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026

Delicate and subtly sweet, this bright green custard is a luscious, creamy spoon-to-mouth affair. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for luscious

• piceous

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Kids Definition

luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs 

1

: having a delicious taste or smell

luscious berries

2

: appealing to the senses : delightful

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun