voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tu·​ous və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs How to pronounce voluptuous (audio)
-shəs
1
a
: suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form
voluptuous nudes
b
: full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious
a voluptuous dance
voluptuous ornamentation
a voluptuous wine
2
: given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications
a long and voluptuous holidayEdmund Wilson
voluptuously adverb
voluptuousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for voluptuous

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses.

sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

Examples of voluptuous in a Sentence

the voluptuous richness of the music
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.
Due to her voluptuous figure and her rising status as a publicity magnet, Twentieth Century Fox signed Mansfield to a contract with the hopes of turning her into the next Marilyn Monroe. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 June 2025 It is named for a plastic-surgery technique called the Rubens flap, used in breast reconstruction; the term is a reference to the voluptuous figures in Rubens’s work. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 The Vegas Strip lives up to its name in the vivid and voluptuous fever dream of neon, nails, and Nomi. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 May 2025 The coed collection highlights the voluptuous tailoring and sensual drape of Pilati’s designs, as well his knack for eye-catching accessories. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 27 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for voluptuous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of voluptuous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Voluptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluptuous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

voluptuous

adjective
vo·​lup·​tuous
və-ˈləp-chə(-wə)s
: giving pleasure to the senses
voluptuously adverb
voluptuousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on voluptuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!