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
The more spacious suites graduate to king-size beds and sumptuous baths surrounded by boldly colorful tiles.
—
Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024
There was simply no precedent for an artist on or even near Bey’s level releasing any kind of secret musical project on an unsuspecting pop world – let alone one this good, let alone one with an incredibly sumptuous and enriching full-length visual accompaniment.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2024
Further inside the home is the sumptuous living room with arched French doors that frame the views of the reflection pool.
—Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Onassis introduces himself to her boldly, the movie shows, in 1959, by hosting a sumptuous party in her honor at a time when both of them are married to other people.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous 
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.
Tony Perrottet, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024
There was simply no precedent for an artist on or even near Bey’s level releasing any kind of secret musical project on an unsuspecting pop world – let alone one this good, let alone one with an incredibly sumptuous and enriching full-length visual accompaniment.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2024
Further inside the home is the sumptuous living room with arched French doors that frame the views of the reflection pool.
—Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Onassis introduces himself to her boldly, the movie shows, in 1959, by hosting a sumptuous party in her honor at a time when both of them are married to other people.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 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 26 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share