sumptuous

adjective

sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs How to pronounce sumptuous (audio)
-shəs,
-shwəs
: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent
sumptuous banquets
a sumptuous residence
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.

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 sumptuous production, which runs 2-1/2 hours with intermission, features an elegant drawing room set by Marty Burnett, lighting by Matt Novotny and sounds by Ian Scot, with some impressive Grand Siècle period wigs by Peter Herman. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 But the academy was too cloistered to recognize those sensuous wisps of smoke and steam wrapped around this Hong Kong love story and shut the film out entirely: Nothing for Wong, the sumptuous cinematography or Maggie Cheung’s sensitive performance. The New York Times Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The redesign includes a flock of sumptuous new touches including woven wallpaper, plush sectional sofas, leather dining chairs, white oak wood flooring and new appliances in the open-air kitchens. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2024 In a country known for wedding spectacles, the pre-nuptial extravaganza for Anant Ambani will not only stand out for its sumptuous feasts and grandeur, but also as a testimony to Ambani’s deepening hold over many areas of the Indian economy. Anto Antony, Fortune Asia, 1 Mar. 2024 As a result, lawmakers can use the PACs as slush funds to underwrite sumptuous lifestyles, good government advocates say. Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The main level also houses the sumptuous primary suite, located on an oceanfront corner, and has Tadelakt plaster wall finishes and a spa-like primary bath decked out with several eco-friendly and hydrophobic features. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 The menu is more approachable, and there’s a burger at the bar that harks back to the sumptuous carnivorousness of Mar’s restaurant before last, the Beatrice Inn, an over-the-top basement-level chophouse. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2024 The sumptuous, all-glass lounge looks onto the immaculate central courtyard garden, where stone lanterns and other artifacts from the days when the Mitsui family lived there decorate the mossy landscape. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sumptuous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin sumptuosus, from sumptus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Dictionary Entries Near sumptuous

Cite this Entry

“Sumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumptuous. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sumptuous

adjective
sump·​tu·​ous ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs How to pronounce sumptuous (audio)
: involving large expense : lavish, luxurious
a sumptuous feast
sumptuously adverb
sumptuousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sumptuous

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