voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tu·​ous və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs How to pronounce voluptuous (audio)
-shəs
1
a
: suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form
voluptuous nudes
b
: full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious
a voluptuous dance
voluptuous ornamentation
a voluptuous wine
2
: given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications
a long and voluptuous holidayEdmund Wilson
voluptuously adverb
voluptuousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for voluptuous

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses.

sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

Examples of voluptuous in a Sentence

the voluptuous richness of the music
Recent Examples on the Web Soft tannins and voluptuous mouthfeel pave the way for flavors of ripe red plum, red raspberry, and dried Bing cherry. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 There’s a Photoshopped image of Middleton holding hands with serial famous-person dater Pete Davidson; a newly voluptuous Middleton shows up as a worker at the Glasgow Wonka debacle. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024 In the mouth voluptuous waves of black fruits, red cherries, black licorice and even roast chestnuts. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 The attraction starts with the bread, a square of focaccia mottled with voluptuous, deep brown bubbles. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2024 In late August through September, the vibrant green hillsides turn a voluptuous shade of gold as the rice ripens. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2024 The demo, which Alexander shared over email, features his vocals and a few alternate lyrics, with less of the voluptuous instrumental that hallmarks Ellis-Bextor’s version but the same creative exuberance that juiced his best work as a frontman and songwriter. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 26 Jan. 2024 Here’s lovely: Enticing aromas of strawberries and cream, freshly baked brioche, and red raspberry lead to voluptuous flavors of wild strawberry and caramelized orange peel in this delicious rosé Champagne. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2023 Beneath them are voluptuous bulbs of rock crystal carved from the inside with a riot of colorful floral blooms. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'voluptuous.' 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 voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of voluptuous was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near voluptuous

Cite this Entry

“Voluptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluptuous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

voluptuous

adjective
vo·​lup·​tuous
və-ˈləp-chə(-wə)s
: giving pleasure to the senses
voluptuously adverb
voluptuousness noun

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