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?
The word sumptuous typically describes things that can only be had at some significant expense, a fact that keeps the modern English word tied to its Latin source: sumptus, meaning "expense." Another English adjective, sumptuary, has the same Latin source, but today is found mostly in the context of sumptuary laws, largely historical regulations limiting extravagant expenditures and habits, especially on moral or religious grounds.
Synonyms
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
Handbag highlights include a sumptuous, crossbody by The Row that is very in line with the suede trend, and a cool, ’90s shoulder option by Staud in winter cream.
—
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Fish fillets from my brother, peaches for a future cobbler, and biscuits ideal for Sunday brunch added to the sumptuous tableau.
—Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Nov. 2024
Families and friends gather to celebrate with sumptuous dinners and share the joy of Thanksgiving.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 2024
The dining room, recently redesigned by San Francisco interiors guru Suzanne Tucker, combines patterns and textures that create a sumptuous, chic and sophisticated environment.
—Katie Sweeney, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
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Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Fish fillets from my brother, peaches for a future cobbler, and biscuits ideal for Sunday brunch added to the sumptuous tableau.
—Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Nov. 2024
Families and friends gather to celebrate with sumptuous dinners and share the joy of Thanksgiving.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 2024
The dining room, recently redesigned by San Francisco interiors guru Suzanne Tucker, combines patterns and textures that create a sumptuous, chic and sophisticated environment.
—Katie Sweeney, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous
Dictionary Entries Near sumptuous
Cite this Entry
“Sumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumptuous. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
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