epicurean

[ ep-i-kyoo-ree-uhn, -kyoor-ee- ]

adjective

1. fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures; having luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking.
2. fit for an epicure:

   epicurean delicacies.

   Synonyms: rich, deluxe, lavish, luxury, gourmet

   Antonyms: frugal, modest, plain, simple, austere

3. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of Epicurus or Epicureanism.

noun

1. an epicure.
2. (initial capital letter) a disciple of Epicurus.

Epicurean

¹

/ ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the philosophy of Epicurus

noun

1. a follower of the philosophy of Epicurus

epicurean

²

/ ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən /

adjective

1. devoted to sensual pleasures, esp food and drink; hedonistic
2. suitable for an epicure

   an epicurean feast

noun

1. an epicure; gourmet

Derived Forms

• ˌEpicuˈreanˌism, noun
• ˌepicuˈreanˌism, noun

Other Words From

• nonep·i·cu·rean adjective noun
• unep·i·cu·rean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicurean¹

1350–1400; Middle English Epicurien < Latin Epicūrē ( us ) of Epicurus (< Greek Epikoúreios ) + -an

Example Sentences

In this way, escalating truffle prices aren’t just a benchmark for epicurean status.

From Fortune

NYC is having its worst year in restaurant closures, and only one thing is certain: its epicurean reign is in trouble.

From The Daily Beast

Forget the beach, have an epicurean adventure this summer at one of America's excellent food festivals.

From The Daily Beast

Barbie Latza Nadeau on the unforgiving world of epicurean rankings.

From The Daily Beast

These 10 authors had similar epicurean tendencies, which nourished their writing—and often spilled into it.

From The Daily Beast

There is an almost anti-epicurean tradition at the very base of America.

From The Daily Beast

The decline of Art was rapid as men became rich, and Epicurean life was sought as the highest good.

From Project Gutenberg

Much as I abhor the title of an epicure, on the other hand I feel proud of the title of genuine Epicurean.

From Project Gutenberg

I took you for a man of noble thoughts and exalted feelings; but I see now that you are a genuine Epicurean.

From Project Gutenberg

All the goods of life he tasted with epicurean zest; all the evils he bore with stoical indifference.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it an improvement to give up a simple life and lofty religious enthusiasm for materialistic enjoyments and epicurean display?

From Project Gutenberg