sumptuous

play

adjective sump·tu·ous \ ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs , -shəs , -shwəs \

Definition of sumptuous

:extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent

sumptuous banquets

a sumptuous residence

; also :magnificent 4

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sumptuously

adverb

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sumptuousness

noun

See sumptuous defined for English-language learners

See sumptuous defined for kids

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Examples of sumptuous in a Sentence

the cruise ship claims to offer sumptuous furnishings, exquisitely prepared cuisine, and stellar entertainment

Recent Examples of sumptuous from the Web

Both are examples of the typical approach to historical fiction in video games—sumptuous Wikipedia entries, the complexities of the past boiled down to aesthetic markers and points of relevant data.

— reid mccarter, GQ, "Finally, a video game that understands that uses history for meaning and context rather than just window dressing.," 16 Aug. 2017
Fashionably stubbled and sporting a crisp white shirt and jeans, the Pakistani designer gestures towards the racks of sumptuous dresses in his Karachi showroom to make his point.

— The Economist, "The elephant in its labyrinthIn the race with its tricky neighbour, India has recently been winning," 22 July 2017
It is scored for just five musicians, including an electric guitar and piano, which is often given sumptuous repeating chords.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Opera makes history with Missy Mazzoli's 'Song from the Uproar'," 19 July 2017
Dozens of Brown’s closest friends, family and colleagues enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and helped to commemorate and celebrate Brown’s 12-year tenure at Descanso.

— jane napier neely, La Cañada Valley Sun, "The Valley Line: Descanso’s David Brown feted as his retirement draws near," 10 July 2017
Once at the table, a sumptuous bread selection appears as if summoned by| mental telepathy.

— victoria pesce elliott, miamiherald, "La Petite Maison is a grand example of clean French cooking," 10 July 2017
Praise has been doled out for the rig’s cushy ride, sumptuous leather, and obvious curb appeal.

— alexander stoklosa, Car and Driver, "2016 Range Rover Td6 Diesel," 6 July 2017
At today’s Valentino Fall 2017 couture show, designer Pierpaolo Piccioli served up effortless femininity in a variety of silhouettes from sumptuous capes to diaphanous maxi dresses.

— lauren valenti, Vogue, "Valentino and the New Eyeliner Look You’ll Want to Re-Create Through Fall," 5 July 2017
The sumptuous designs might have suited Scarlett O'Hara or any belle of the ball. ___ Deborah Gouffran contributed to this report.

— Bloomberg.com, "Chanel Aims High With Starry 'Eiffel Tower' Paris Show," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sumptuous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The word sumptuous can be used to describe both lush surroundings and rich desserts, and it has an equally rich history. The word, which appeared in English in the 15th century, derives via Middle English from the Latin noun sumptus, meaning "expense." "Sumptus" is related to the Latin verb sumere, which means "take" or "spend" and from which we get a treasure trove of useful verbs: "consume" ("to use up or spend"), "subsume" ("to include or place in something larger"), "resume" ("to take up again"), and "assume" ("to take upon oneself"). Another "sumere" descendant is our adjective "sumptuary," which means "relating to one's extravagant expenditures."