delectable

1 of 2

adjective

de·​lec·​ta·​ble di-ˈlek-tə-bəl 

1

: highly pleasing : delightful

a delectable melody

2

: delicious

a delectable meal

delectability

di-ˌlek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

delectably

di-ˈlek-tə-blē 

adverb

delectable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is highly pleasing or delicious

especially : a delicious food item

pastries and other delectables

Synonyms

Adjective

• agreeable
• blessed
• blest
• congenial
• darling
• delicious
• delightful
• delightsome
• dreamy
• dulcet
• enjoyable
• felicitous
• good
• grateful
• gratifying
• heavenly
• jolly
• luscious
• nice
• palatable
• pleasant
• pleasing
• pleasurable
• pretty
• satisfying
• savory
• savoury
• sweet
• tasty
• welcome

Noun

• bit
• cate [archaic]
• dainty
• delicacy
• goody
• goodie
• kickshaw
• tidbit
• titbit
• treat
• viand

Examples of delectable in a Sentence

Adjective

The meals he prepares are always delectable.

one of the most delectable men she's ever met

Noun

a gourmet shop filled with delectables for every palate, albeit not for every pocketbook

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The body mists come in three delectable but universally appealing scents — Caramel Skin, Vanilla Skin and Coconut Skin — that can be worn on their own or layered together for a custom fragrance. —Alex Apatoff, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

This limited-time pop-up offers an Instagram-worthy dining experience with delectable dishes and specialty cocktails amidst the enchanting atmosphere of the resort. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Noun

There are also new acts to relish as well as new delectables to savor. —Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 13 July 2024

There’s a gourmet kitchen whose counters are heaped with delectables. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Jan. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin delectabilis, from delectare to delight — more at delight

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

delectable

adjective

de·​lec·​ta·​ble

di-ˈlek-tə-bəl

1

: highly pleasing : delightful

2

: delicious

delectably

-blē

adverb