WordGarden.ioluscious
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈʌʃəs/
US
- /ˈləʃɪs/
Meanings
Adjective
richly pleasing to taste or smell, especially sweet
rich, luxurious, or vividly appealing to the senses
(informal)sexually attractive or sensually enticing
Beyond the definition
Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe peach, with juice running down your chin and sweetness filling your mouth. That is what this word often suggests. It describes something deeply pleasing to the senses, especially in taste, smell, or appearance. It is most often used for food, but it can also describe a voice, a landscape, hair, or music when they feel rich, soft, beautiful, and full of pleasure. It usually gives a sense of abundance and enjoyment rather than something plain or simple.
The word "luscious" suggests rich, generous pleasure. We often use it for food that is juicy, sweet, smooth, or deeply satisfying to taste or smell: luscious berries, a luscious chocolate cake, or a luscious sauce. In this sense, it goes beyond simply saying that something is good. It suggests fullness, softness, and a kind of indulgent pleasure.
But the word is not limited to food. You might describe a singer's voice as luscious if it sounds warm, rich, and beautiful. A garden after rain can look luscious when it seems green, full, and alive. Hair, lips, fabric, music, or writing can also be called luscious when they create a strong, sensual impression. In all of these cases, the idea is the same: something feels richly appealing to the senses.
In modern English, "luscious" can also describe a person, especially in a more informal or playful way, as very physically or sexually attractive. That use is less common than the food and sensory meanings, but it is still part of the word's range.
So when something feels abundant, vivid, and intensely pleasing, "luscious" is a natural choice. It carries a sense of richness and enjoyment that words like "nice" or even "delicious" do not always capture.
Examples
- 1
Fruit
The mango was ripe and luscious.
- 2
Dessert
They finished the meal with a luscious chocolate tart.
- 3
Hair
Her hair fell over her shoulders in luscious waves.
- 4
Colors
The garden was full of luscious reds, pinks, and greens.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Music
The song opens with luscious strings and a soft piano.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lusciousadjective