luscious

[luhsh-uhs]

adjective

1. highly pleasing to the taste or smell.

   luscious peaches.

   Synonyms: palatable, delectable
   Antonyms: unpalatable, disgusting

2. richly satisfying to the senses or the mind.

   the luscious style of his poetry.

3. richly adorned; luxurious.

   luscious furnishings.

4. arousing physical, or sexual, desire; voluptuous.

   a luscious figure.

5. sweet to excess; cloying.

luscious

/ ˈlʌʃəs /

adjective

1. extremely pleasurable, esp to the taste or smell

2. very attractive

3. archaic,  cloying

Other Word Forms

• lusciously adverb
• lusciousness noun
• overluscious adjective
• overlusciously adverb
• overlusciousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of luscious¹

1375–1425; late Middle English lucius, unexplained variant of licius, aphetic variant of delicious

Word History and Origins

Origin of luscious¹

C15 lucius, licius, perhaps a shortened form of _delicious

Synonym Study

See delicious.

Example Sentences

There’s a quality of intelligent feeling redolent of Rosalind in “As You Like It” in Wicks’ affecting characterization and luscious singing.

From Los Angeles Times

They live in stylish houses surrounded by luscious greenery, woodland, a meadow and a river.

From BBC

Yes, I suppose, but only to improve our home in Culver City, give us a luscious yard and a new paved driveway.

From Los Angeles Times

Toss it with fresh lobster chunks, enrobe cutlets with hollandaise and bread crumbs before frying, or make the most luscious broiled oysters you've ever had.

From Salon

“It’s the most luscious, creamy, large and delicious avocado I’ve ever tasted,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appetizing 
• distinctive 
• exquisite 
• heavenly 
• juicy 
• lush 
• luxurious 
• opulent 
• piquant 
• savory 
• succulent 
• sumptuous 
• sweet 
• yummy