voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tu·​ous və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs 

-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 holiday

—Edmund Wilson

voluptuously adverb

voluptuousness noun

Synonyms

• carnal
• fleshly
• luscious
• lush
• sensual
• sensuous

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

Others drew comparisons to Venus of Willendorf, a voluptuous female figurine dating back to 28,000–25,000 BCE. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

The 23-year-old returned with a catchy single for the ladies sporting a more voluptuous figure. —Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025

Fans were hyped to see Ice regain her voluptuous figure and showed her love in the replies. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025

The voluptuous installation, spearheaded by Amy Kule, a longtime producer of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Fourth of July Fireworks show, will remain on display through Wednesday (March 5). —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Mar. 2025

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

Kids Definition

voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tuous

və-ˈləp-chə(-wə)s

: giving pleasure to the senses

voluptuously adverb

voluptuousness noun