sumptuous

adjective

sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs 

-shəs, 

-shwəs

: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent

sumptuous banquets

a sumptuous residence

also : magnificent sense 4

sumptuously adverb

sumptuousness noun

Did you know?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may be a few of your favorite things, but are they sumptuous? Alas, though the best things in life are often free, sumptuous is a child of the Latin word sumptus, meaning “expense,” and it typically describes things that can only be had at some significant expense. A sumptuous lifestyle, for example, is more likely to involve silver-white bling than a silver-white winter that melts into spring. Sumptus has another English relation, this one tied even more closely to conspicuous consumption: sumptuary laws are largely historical regulations limiting extravagant expenditures and habits, especially on moral or religious grounds. (The sump in consumption is coincidental; that word comes from consume, which has its roots in Latin sumere meaning “to take up, take.”)

Synonyms of sumptuous

• luxurious
• deluxe
• luxuriant
• luxury
• lavish

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

Rooms The rooms vary in size and decor, but each one is true to the property's aesthetic, featuring pretty pastels, sumptuous bedding, soaring ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Pedro Porro has struggled for much of the past year at Tottenham Hotspur, but left Dallas to a standing ovation and a man-of-the-match award, applying a sumptuous finish for Spain’s excellent second goal. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Bringing the beast — an sumptuous offering to the gods of film distribution — to Leicester Square proved to be a minor Odyssey in itself. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 July 2026

My pick for the night was the hanger steak served with tableside shiso chimichurri (which was very fun to watch them make), bok choy, and sumptuous black-butter potatoes. — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin sumptuosus, from sumptus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

sumptuous

adjective

sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs 

: involving large expense : lavish, luxurious

a sumptuous feast

sumptuously adverb

sumptuousness noun