succulent

1 of 2

adjective

suc·​cu·​lent ˈsə-kyə-lənt How to pronounce succulent (audio)
Synonyms of succulentnext
1
a
: full of juice : juicy
b
: moist and tasty : toothsome
a succulent meal
c
of a plant : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture
2
: rich in interest
succulently adverb

succulent

2 of 2

noun

: a succulent plant (such as a cactus or an aloe)

Synonyms of succulent

Examples of succulent in a Sentence

Adjective vines weighted down with plump, succulent grapes a buffet table set with an array of succulent roasts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Fill the cups up with well-draining succulent potting soil. Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026 This is followed by, say, a succulent duck pot-au-feu (stew) or the iconic nose-to-tail dish tête de veau (calf's head), smothered with a creamy gribiche sauce, then cervelle de canut, a creamy white cheese with herbs and shallots. John Brunton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
Pinecone cactus is a lovely container plant, a succulent with a sculptural form and tiny spines that stays under a foot tall. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026 What Determines Watering Frequency Light, temperatures, and soil type all play a role in how often a succulent should be watered, so take that into consideration for your plant. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for succulent

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin suculentus, from sucus juice, sap; perhaps akin to Latin sugere to suck — more at suck

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of succulent was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Succulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succulent. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

succulent

1 of 2 adjective
suc·​cu·​lent ˈsək-yə-lənt How to pronounce succulent (audio)
1
a
: full of juice : juicy
succulent cherries
b
: moist and tasty
a succulent meal
c
: having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture
succulent plants
2
: rich in interest
a succulent book
succulently adverb

succulent

2 of 2 noun
: a succulent plant (as a cactus or an aloe)

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