Definition of SUMPTUOUS

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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

Here are five of our favorite icy finds. 3 SEE: Stage musicals from silly to sumptuousTheater options are rich in the Bay Area this weekend. — Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, "7 killer SF Bay Area things to do this weekend, June 7-9," 6 June 2019 To these officials, the investigation was a direct and menacing assault on a way of life defined by sumptuous luxury, tremendous privilege and, all too often, kickbacks and bribes. — Ken Bensinger, chicagotribune.com, "If the U.S. doesn't get the 2026 World Cup, blame Donald Trump," 12 June 2018 Spot-on for spaces like a reading nook or formal library, this sumptuous hue creates the perfect setting for sitting in front of the fireplace with a great read (or a glass of wine). — Daisy Melamed Sanders, Good Housekeeping, "How Color Changes the Mood of Your Home, According to Experts," 22 May 2019 Perhaps the most sumptuous means to explore Komodo’s primordial beauty is aboard the new Prana by Atzaro, a nine-suite, swashbuckler-style megayacht designed in homage of ancient Indonesian boat-making with five-star boutique comfort in mind. — Travis Levius, Vogue, "Chasing Komodo Dragons on Indonesia’s Latest Super Yacht," 26 Apr. 2019 Pedro Obiang's second half stunner gave Moyes' men a shock lead, before Heung-min Son levelled with an equally sumptuous strike. — SI.com, "David Moyes Pleased With Recent Results After Dogged Display Earns Draw at Spurs," 5 Jan. 2018 At the higher end of the offerings is a sumptuous modern take on a traditional Persian rug, hand-knotted of gray New Zealand wool, starting at $2,295 and available in a range of sizes. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "See Inside Ben Soleimani’s Fast-Paced, Stylish Worlds in California and London," 17 Apr. 2019 You’d be forgiven for thinking that Fosse/Verdon, FX’s latest sumptuous, detailed period piece chronicling a remarkable true story, is a Ryan Murphy production. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "A Complete Timeline of the Real Relationship Between Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon," 9 Apr. 2019 On Friday, with a cast headed by Lia Cirio as Princess Aurora and Lasha Khozashvili as Prince Désiré, the production looked as sumptuous as ever. — Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet reawakens ‘Sleeping Beauty’," 12 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.