luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs How to pronounce luscious (audio)
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 sonorouslyGary Giddins
b
: excessively ornate
rich and luscious phrases, thick with imageryRuth 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.”

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Spumoni edition adds a fruity kick to the Chocolate Moustache base, with a juicy and tart cherry flavor cutting through the luscious chocolate. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Another hit from Nordic hospitality company ESS Group, this hotel, with luscious Swedish baths and 163 rooms, takes over the historic Hill House castle, dating back to 1918. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 Ali serves them with a luscious lemon butter, which is aces high. Sam Sifton, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Monica is a Spanish actress and dancer, who was also blessed with the luscious locks and full-lipped smile that her sister Penélope boasts. Amy Jamieson, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luscious

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of luscious was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Luscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luscious. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

luscious

adjective
lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs How to pronounce luscious (audio)
1
: having a delicious taste or smell
luscious berries
2
: appealing to the senses : delightful
lusciously adverb
lusciousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on luscious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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