luscious

1 of 2

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

lusciousness

2 of 2

noun

lus·​cious·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being luscious

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

Adjective

• delicious

Examples of luscious in a Sentence

Adjective

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

a luscious strawberry bursting with juice

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And if Golden State offered a luscious return for James’ former running mate, the Wizards would have no choice but to listen. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Two of our favorites desserts come together in this luscious recipe. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

At 58 years old, the multihyphenate boasts beautifully luscious, highly covetable locks. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 July 2026

With the luscious fruit sitting in abundance on branches across the Miami area, those who come across mango trees may be tempted to pick one for a smoothie or snack. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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