luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs 

1

a

: having a delicious taste or smell : sweet

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

b

archaic : excessively sweet : cloying

2

: sexually attractive : seductive, sexy

a luscious actress

3

a

: richly luxurious or appealing to the senses

her luscious voice swelling and decaying with total control, her low notes booming sonorously

—Gary Giddins

b

: excessively ornate

rich and luscious phrases, thick with imagery

—Ruth Park

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun

Did you know?

Have you ever heard a young child describe a favorite food as “licius” instead of “delicious”? Back in the Middle Ages, the word licius was sometimes used as a shortened form of delicious by adults and kids alike. Linguists believe that luscious may have developed when licius (which comes from the Latin verb delicere, meaning “to entice by charm or attraction”) was further altered to lucius by 15th-century speakers. The adjective lush can sometimes mean “delicious” as well but is not a shortened form of luscious, having developed on its own from the Middle English lusch, meaning “soft or tender.”

Synonyms

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

Examples of luscious in a Sentence

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

a luscious strawberry bursting with juice

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is my idea of healing and wholesome: steamy and flavorful, with a luscious body from the broken down squash and red miso, and packed with greens (for health) and pasta (for sanity). —Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 1 Jan. 2025

Each bathroom is outfit with a steam shower and plush, luscious robes. —Elisa Nelson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024

Reserva Red Blend Douro Portugal Most people know that the Douro is home to luscious ruby and tawny Port wines, but fewer know that the region is now making dry red wines due to the decline in sweet Port’s popularity. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024

Judging Panel described this Finnish, Sherry matured single malt whiskey as expressing: A luscious bouquet of rich caramel, butterscotch, cocoa, and pears. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lucius, perhaps alteration of licius, short for delicious

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs 

1

: having a delicious taste or smell

luscious berries

2

: appealing to the senses : delightful

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun