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

Since then, Winding Refn has continued down that path, making visually sumptuous and narratively oblique films (often with stars, or emerging stars) that increasingly feel like dream visions. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

When his not-so-short film finally dropped, viewers were taken on a tour of Drake’s sumptuous lifestyle and summer antics. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

The designs were inspired by Versailles, literally and philosophically, from the mirrors on the ceiling to the primary bedroom that mimics Marie Antoinette’s (the bed itself has sumptuous privacy curtains). — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

His pass to Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up to Kobbie Mainoo’s winning goal in the all-Manchester FA Cup final was sumptuous, too. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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