sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs 
-shəs,
-shwəs
: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent
sumptuous banquets
a sumptuous residence
also
: magnificent sense 4
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
Did you know?
The word sumptuous typically describes things that can only be had at some significant expense, a fact that keeps the modern English word tied to its Latin source: sumptus, meaning "expense." Another English adjective, sumptuary, has the same Latin source, but today is found mostly in the context of sumptuary laws, largely historical regulations limiting extravagant expenditures and habits, especially on moral or religious grounds.
Synonyms
Examples of sumptuous in a Sentence
the cruise ship claims to offer sumptuous furnishings, exquisitely prepared cuisine, and stellar entertainment
Recent Examples on the Web
Photo : James Tran Le Coq, La Jolla A modern steakhouse, Le Coq brings together classic sumptuous restaurant vibes with a more industrial feeling, to beautiful effect.
—
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2024
This sumptuous series is adapted from James Clavell's hugely influential 1975 epic novel of the same name.
—Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
Early modernism The exquisitely subtle colors, sumptuous silhouettes, and geometric clarion calls of the very earliest modernists are back: Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and work by Wiener Werkstätte are catching the eyes of seasoned and new collectors alike.
—Sarah Archer, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
This sumptuous adaptation of Laura Esquivel’s internationally renowned novel of love, longing, and culinary enchantment during the Mexican Revolution feels grander and more emotional—but also more thoughtfully engaged with the politics of its era—than the great 1992 film version.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous 
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Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2024
This sumptuous series is adapted from James Clavell's hugely influential 1975 epic novel of the same name.
—Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
Early modernism The exquisitely subtle colors, sumptuous silhouettes, and geometric clarion calls of the very earliest modernists are back: Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and work by Wiener Werkstätte are catching the eyes of seasoned and new collectors alike.
—Sarah Archer, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
This sumptuous adaptation of Laura Esquivel’s internationally renowned novel of love, longing, and culinary enchantment during the Mexican Revolution feels grander and more emotional—but also more thoughtfully engaged with the politics of its era—than the great 1992 film version.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous
Dictionary Entries Near sumptuous
Cite this Entry
“Sumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumptuous. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
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