pleasurable

adjective

plea·​sur·​able ˈplezh-rə-bəl How to pronounce pleasurable (audio)
ˈplāzh-;
ˈple-zhə-,
ˈplā-
: causing a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment : pleasant
a pleasurable sensation
pleasurable emotions
the pleasurable effects of a drug
There aren't many more pleasurable activities than shaking your thing in the streets, surrounded by all the sights and sounds of the carnival.Time Out
The movie takes you away, and much of the trip is a pleasurable experience, with dazzling visuals, a bright score coupled with insanely catchy pop tunes, and a charismatic cast.Ed Johnson-Ott
pleasurability
ˌplezh-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce pleasurable (audio)
ˌplāzh-;
ˌple-zhə-
ˌplā-
noun
The right varietals and blends take spicy, umami and sweet Asian flavors to an entirely new level of pleasurability for guests … Mary Melton
pleasurableness
ˈplezh-rə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce pleasurable (audio)
ˈplāzh-;
ˈple-zhə-
ˈplā-
noun
… we can attest to the pleasurableness of the New England clam chowder … Frank Cohen
pleasurably
ˈplezh-rə-blē How to pronounce pleasurable (audio)
ˈplāzh-;
ˈple-zhə-
ˈplā-
adverb
Have you ever dug your feet into the warm, soft surface of a white sand beach? Felt the fine, dry grains slide pleasurably between your toes? Rafi Letzter

Examples of pleasurable in a Sentence

a pleasurable hot bath after a tiring day a number of pleasurable additions to the state fair this year
Recent Examples on the Web Communication, education, and preparation are critical to a safe and pleasurable experience for all involved. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 21 Sep. 2023 The brain chemical is responsible for making a person feel and seek pleasurable experiences, such as indulging in a favorite snack. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2023 The wonderful, non-GMO mixture of these candies ensures a very pleasurable experience. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023 There’s an abrasiveness and urgency in his voice that’s disturbing and pleasurable, like scratching yourself. Bob Guccione Jr, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023 In other words, Boyd’s made Cashel into an infinitely pleasurable travel companion. Daneet Steffens, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023 If the essay then reveals itself to be an argument for nature, the opening salvo also insures that the writing will be dynamic: will move from a point A to a very different point B. Movement like this is pleasurable to a reader. Jonathan Franzen, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2023 Although the legend of Dionysus—a Greek deity responsible for wine and other pleasurable pursuits—is centuries old, the mythological figure is still influencing modern-day Greece. Shana Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2023 Enjoy a more pleasurable experience with the incredible variety of all-natural flavors that cbdMD offers for their tinctures. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pleasurable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasurable was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near pleasurable

Cite this Entry

“Pleasurable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasurable. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

pleasurable

adjective
plea·​sur·​able ˈplezh-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce pleasurable (audio)
ˈplāzh-
pleasurably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pleasurable

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