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

• Babylonian
• deluxe
• lavish
• Lucullan
• Lucullian
• luxe
• luxuriant
• luxurious
• luxury
• opulent
• palace
• palatial
• plush
• plushy
• silken

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

That’s not all from Blumhouse, thanks to the sumptuous Sleep Awake, which combines A Nightmare on Elm Street with Control, Still Wakes the Deep, and plenty of other devilish influences. —Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

Intricate patterns, rich colors, and sumptuous furniture punctuate the twenty-three rooms and suites. —Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025

The film stars Oscar Isaac as the mad doctor, Jacob Elordi as his monster and Mia Goth as Victor’s fiancée and features a sumptuous visual feast of Victorian and Arctic imagery. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025

Fuller merged clean lines and minimalist silhouettes and sumptuous materials such as leather, velvet, polished metals and mirrored surfaces. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin sumptuosus, from sumptus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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