amorous
Americanadjective
-
inclined or disposed to love, especially sexual love.
an amorous disposition.
- Synonyms:
- passionate, sensual
-
showing or expressing love.
an amorous letter.
- Synonyms:
- tender, fond, impassioned, loving, amatory
-
of or relating to love.
amorous poetry.
- Synonyms:
- erotic
-
being in love; enamored.
She smiled and at once he became amorous of her.
adjective
-
inclined towards or displaying love or desire
-
in love
-
of or relating to love
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of amorous
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin amōrōsus, equivalent to amor “love” + -ōsus -ose 1, -ous
Explanation
If you are shot with a mythological arrow by Cupid, the Greek god of love, you may find yourself feeling amorous. Amorous means having strong feelings of love, especially romantic love. Amorous words or glances show love or desire. This adjective is a Middle English word, borrowed from Middle French, from Medieval Latin amorosus, from Latin amor "love." A more literary and less common synonym is amatory.
Vocabulary lists containing amorous
All You Need is Love: Amor and Phil
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Romeo and Juliet
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Wiser and more practical than those around her, Maomao is able to play forensic detective, prevent assassination attempts, suss out political intrigue, resist an amorous eunuch and even ingest bits of poison safely.
From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025
The results do not just overturn previous theories about amorous and peaceful meetings between groups of people.
From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024
When she’s on the stage, you can’t take your eyes off her; whether she is being regal, amorous or crushed by betrayal, she commands the space as if she really were an enchantress.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 16, 2023
But it’s telling that Leon, obtusely obsessed with his disastrous book, can’t fully embrace the amorous potential of his surroundings.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 12, 2023
It h a menacing or amorous puff, similar to the grampus.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
