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?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may be a few of your favorite things, but are they sumptuous? Alas, though the best things in life are often free, sumptuous is a child of the Latin word sumptus, meaning “expense,” and it typically describes things that can only be had at some significant expense. A sumptuous lifestyle, for example, is more likely to involve silver-white bling than a silver-white winter that melts into spring. Sumptus has another English relation, this one tied even more closely to conspicuous consumption: sumptuary laws are largely historical regulations limiting extravagant expenditures and habits, especially on moral or religious grounds. (The sump in consumption is coincidental; that word comes from consume, which has its roots in Latin sumere meaning “to take up, take.”)

Synonyms of sumptuous

• luxurious
• deluxe
• luxuriant
• luxury
• lavish

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

His pass to Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up to Kobbie Mainoo’s winning goal in the all-Manchester FA Cup final was sumptuous, too. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

There’s a solid section, too, on The Last Emperor, the sumptuous historical epic that unfolds in Beijing’s Forbidden City, which won 9 Oscars including best picture and director in 1988. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Painted any other color, they would still be beautifully executed, but there’s something about the shape combined with this simple-yet-sumptuous shade that gives it a sense of sagacity. — Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Sep. 2026

Seashell cocktail goblets, sumptuous carpets, and soft fabric wall drapes in dreamy baby blue evoke silver screen-era Vegas. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin sumptuosus, from sumptus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

sumptuous

adjective

sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs 

: involving large expense : lavish, luxurious

a sumptuous feast

sumptuously adverb

sumptuousness noun