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

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 The late Princess of Wales wore Houbiquant's Quelques Fleurs, a sumptuous blend of tuberose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and rose to marry Prince Charles. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, "6 Royal-Worn Perfumes That Are Fit for Non-Princesses Too," 30 Mar. 2019 Other designers favored a prêt-à-couture approach, using the sumptuous fabrications for which the Turkish textile industry is famous, as well as traditional, Ottoman-style embroidery techniques. — Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, "Asli Filinta Is the Name to Know From Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Istanbul," 26 Mar. 2019 As Betty on the CW hit, Reinhart is used to drama, but Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sumptuous collection offered a different kind of spectacle. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Inside Riverdale Star Lili Reinhart’s Valentino Adventure at Paris Fashion Week," 4 Mar. 2019

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.