succulent

1 of 2

adjective

suc·​cu·​lent ˈsə-kyə-lənt 

1

a

: full of juice : juicy

b

: moist and tasty : toothsome

a succulent meal

c

of a plant : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture

2

: rich in interest

succulently adverb

succulent

2 of 2

noun

: a succulent plant (such as a cactus or an aloe)

Synonyms

Adjective

• fleshy
• juicy
• pulpy

Examples of succulent in a Sentence

Adjective

vines weighted down with plump, succulent grapes

a buffet table set with an array of succulent roasts

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Get the recipe > Beef Rendang A stick-to-your-ribs Indonesian staple, this succulent number calls for slowly simmering beef in a rich coconutty sauce seasoned with aromatic lemongrass and makrut lime leaves. —Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025

Maybe a pet knocked over your potted succulent plant or an outdoor succulent’s leaves were injured by bright sun, pests, or another issue. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

Yet the iconic succulent is losing suitable habitat at a brisk clip due to climate change, worsening wildfires and development, scientists and environmental advocates say. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024

In general, tropical plants should be watered about once every 1-2 weeks, while succulents and cacti can be watered more sparingly. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin suculentus, from sucus juice, sap; perhaps akin to Latin sugere to suck — more at suck

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

succulent

1 of 2 adjective

suc·​cu·​lent ˈsək-yə-lənt 

1

a

: full of juice : juicy

succulent cherries

b

: moist and tasty

a succulent meal

c

: having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture

succulent plants

2

: rich in interest

a succulent book

succulently adverb

succulent

2 of 2 noun

: a succulent plant (as a cactus or an aloe)