Definition of SUMPTUOUSNESS

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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 Agent Provocateur has luxury lingerie, classic corsetry, sumptuous nightwear, striking hosiery and more. — oregonlive, "Last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts that look well planned: Cooking classes? Flowers, chocolate, wine are ready for pick up or delivery," 11 Feb. 2021 Treat your boo to a selection of sumptuous vegan cookies from Partake, which are, among other things, Jay-Z's favorite treat. — Marissa Miller, USA TODAY, "15 amazing Valentine's Day gifts to buy from Black-owned brands," 4 Feb. 2021 His sumptuous images summon up a movie world that was never meant to be real, but that’s given new meaning by those who were never in it. — Joe Morgenstern, WSJ, "‘Sylvie’s Love’ Review: Lush Movie Life Reimagined," 23 Dec. 2020 One thing is for sure: With his rich, romantic baritone and the wistful lyrics, Peck brings true grit to this sumptuous Technicolor love story. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "The 100 Best Songs of 2020: Staff List," 8 Dec. 2020 Other key features included soft waves worn at the front, shown on some of the women and men to create a kind of synergy between them, and sumptuous hair accessories spun from Venetian glass. — Tish Weinstock, Vogue, "At Fendi Couture, a Supermodel Primer for Fresh-From-the-Shower Hair," 27 Jan. 2021 That planning is also evident in the geometry the artists used to differentiate the human world, with its hard lines and right angles, from the flowing, wavy curviness of the sumptuous forest. — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, "‘Wolfwalkers’ wraps a story of a unique friendship around troubling Irish history," 25 Jan. 2021 Churchill used his sumptuous table to build support for his strategies. — Eric Felten, Washington Examiner, "How to drink like Winston Churchill," 21 Jan. 2021 Specifically, baking the sumptuous carrot cake recipe that his grandmother had developed in the Virgin Islands and passed down to his mother, who passed it down to him. — New York Times, "Betty Campbell-Adams, Bronx Evangelist of Carrot Cake, Dies at 65," 27 Dec. 2020

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.