sumptuous

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 sense 4

Other Words from sumptuous Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about sumptuous

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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."

Examples of sumptuous in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Their Ten Cent Store in downtown Seattle was ironically sumptuous — and short-lived. — Paul Dorpat, The Seattle Times, "The fate of the Rhodes Stores turned on a dime," 26 Oct. 2018 Some sense of its distinctiveness also arises from the photographs of churches and monasteries, both at the show and in the sumptuous catalog, looking as if hewed from rugged landscapes of mountain, rock and sea. — Edward Rothstein, WSJ, "‘Armenia!’ Review: Exploring the First Christian Nation," 29 Sep. 2018 Photo by Heidis Bridge Maximalist interior design comes in many guises, be it in swaths of bold color, vibrant layers of pattern, or from sumptuous, varied textures and materials. — Samantha Weiss Hills, Curbed, "9 maximalist interiors that get the style right," 4 Sep. 2018 Magic Words: Communing with my creative force is my most sumptuous sanctuary. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes August 27-September 2," 20 Aug. 2018 Everything looks so beautiful, sumptuous, and splendid. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "How Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House uses color to underscore its horror," 26 Oct. 2018 Those three neighborhoods leave plenty of boutiques to be explored, but for a truly sumptuous experience (and a great place to pick up a thoughtful gift), head to Sifr Aromatics. — Vogue, "Style Meets Substance—The 7 Must-Visit Shopping Neighborhoods Around the Globe," 24 Oct. 2018 Let this feel like sumptuous, necessary, emotional chemistry. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes October 15-21," 13 Oct. 2018 Then, in the second period, disaster struck for the favourites when Anders Svensson curled in a sumptuous free kick. — SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 4 Weeks to Go - England Survive 'Group of Death' While Favourites Fail," 27 May 2018

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.