luxuriant

American  

[luhg-zhoor-ee-uhnt, luhk-shoor-] / lʌgˈʒʊər i ənt, lʌkˈʃʊər- /

adjective

1. abundant or lush in growth, as vegetation.

   Synonyms:

   teeming

2. producing abundantly, as soil; fertile; fruitful; productive.

   to settle in luxuriant country.

   Synonyms:

   prolific, fruitful

3. richly abundant, profuse, or superabundant.

   Synonyms:

   copious

4. florid, as imagery or ornamentation; lacking in restraint.

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luxuriant British  

/ lʌɡˈzjʊərɪənt /

adjective

1. rich and abundant; lush

2. very elaborate or ornate

3. extremely productive or fertile

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Other Word Forms

• luxuriance
  noun
• luxuriantly
  adverb
• overluxuriant
  adjective
• overluxuriantly
  adverb
• unluxuriant
  adjective
• unluxuriantly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of luxuriant

1530–40; < Latin luxuriant- (stem of luxuriāns ), present participle of luxuriāre to be rank or immoderate. See luxury, -ant

Explanation

You can use the adjective luxuriant to describe something really luxurious or full and lush. If you walk through a dense forest after it rains, it's really luxuriant with green plants overgrowing the paths. Natural, growing things are luxuriant when they're fertile and full of life. People and places that show a fullness of life and wealth are also luxuriant. If you enter a room full of deep, plush couches and expensive decorations you're in a luxuriant space. And anything really enjoyable to the senses — whether costly or not — can be luxuriant, like a really rich and creamy piece of warm vanilla cake with a large hot chocolate: that's luxuriant.

Example Sentences

Luxuriant contemplation reigns; there is little plot, but passion surges in the restraint, with tastes of medieval harmonies and North African rhythms.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Luxuriant graphic tuxedos in navy and black as well as sanitized, sharp-edged white sporty dresses were featured alongside silver snaking bands coiling around the body near slits, exposed midriffs and necks.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2014

And yes, lots of people napping — Luxuriant stretch!

From New York Times • Jul. 11, 2010

Luxuriant quills sprouted along its tail like bristles from a toothbrush.

From National Geographic

“What is this, then? You have beautiful hair. Luxuriant tresses, I would say. Sweet-smelling despite your recent ordeal. Do you call this nothing?”

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• lush
• opulent
• sumptuous