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

Now, she’s found a glossy and healthy-looking happy medium, one that’s easily pinned up without too much weight but still looks full-bodied and luscious. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2025

Obakki’s catalog feels as close to authentic scent profiles as any candle could—there’s nothing fruity or sweet or exactly luscious about these aromas. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

It’s baked in a crust flecked with herbes de Provence and filled with Parmesan and Gruyère, baby spinach, and luscious sweet onions. —Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Few cold-weather dinners are quite as luscious as a hearty chili. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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