sumptuous

adjective

sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs How to pronounce sumptuous (audio)
-shəs,
-shwəs
: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent
sumptuous banquets
a sumptuous residence
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.”)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Air France, for its part, is undertaking a full-cabin makeover that adds business-class suites clad in sumptuous full-grain French leather. Chris Dong, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025 Music unites the interconnecting stories in this saga and expands its passions, with a sumptuous score by composer Stephen Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens that taps into a wide range of American styles, idioms and amalgams, even as the second act turns more dissonant. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 But the restaurant, known for its sumptuous stromboli, is back open for business. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 Today, there are 42 rooms, including grand riads, charming Berber tents, and suites with hot tubs, terraces, and private pools all furnished with sumptuous Moroccan crafts. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sumptuous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin sumptuosus, from sumptus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sumptuous was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumptuous. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sumptuous

adjective
sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs How to pronounce sumptuous (audio)
: involving large expense : lavish, luxurious
a sumptuous feast
sumptuously adverb
sumptuousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sumptuous

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