delicious

1 of 2

adjective

de·​li·​cious di-ˈli-shəs 

1

: affording great pleasure : delightful

a delicious bit of gossip

2

: appealing to one of the bodily senses especially of taste or smell

a delicious meal

delicious aromas

deliciously adverb

deliciousness noun

Delicious

2 of 2

noun

plural Deliciouses or Delicious

: a sweet red or yellow eating apple of U.S. origin that has a crown of five rounded prominences on the end opposite the stem

Synonyms

Adjective

• ambrosial
• appetizing
• dainty
• delectable
• delish
• flavorful
• flavorsome
• luscious
• lush
• mouthwatering
• palatable
• savory
• savoury
• scrumptious
• succulent
• tasteful
• tasty
• toothsome
• toothy
• yummy

Examples of delicious in a Sentence

Adjective

This is the most delicious ice cream I have ever eaten.

Delicious aromas were floating from the kitchen.

a delicious bit of gossip

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Architecture aside, the cuisine (from hush puppies to delicious seafood and soul food), spooky ghost tours, and beach proximity make Charleston, South Carolina the place to be in spring and summer. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2025

Packed with electrolytes and nutrients, Vita Coco Coconut Water elevates smoothies by providing a delicious, functional alternative to traditional bases like dairy or juice. —Tracy Yochum, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2025

One of my favorite things to do is to root through the refrigerator, take out all the odds and ends, and make something delicious out of them. —Contributing Writer, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2025

The slow heating of the pan helps with the fat rendering and the bacon grease will only add to the delicious patina of the skillet. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin deliciosus, from Latin deliciae delights, from delicere to allure

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing delicious

• Red Delicious

Kids Definition

delicious

1 of 2 adjective

de·​li·​cious di-ˈlish-əs 

: giving great pleasure : delightful

especially : very pleasing to the taste

deliciously adverb

deliciousness noun

Delicious

2 of 2 noun

De·​li·​cious

di-ˈlish-əs

plural Deliciouses or Delicious

: a sweet red or yellow apple of U.S. origin that has five bumps arranged around the end opposite the stem