delectable
Americanadjective
-
delightful; highly pleasing; enjoyable.
a delectable witticism.
- Synonyms:
- entertaining, amusing, agreeable, gratifying, pleasurable
- Antonyms:
- distasteful, disagreeable
-
delicious.
a delectable dinner.
- Antonyms:
- distasteful, disagreeable
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of delectable
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin dēlectābilis delightful, equivalent to dēlectā ( re ) to delight (frequentative of dēlicere to entice) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
Something delectable is extremely delicious or appealing. Nothing tastes better at the end of a meal than an array of delectable desserts and pastries! Don't let the de- at the beginning of delectable fool you. There is nothing negative about this word. Related to delicious through the Latin word for delight, if something is delectable, it is very tasty! Maybe your mom has promised you a delectable dinner of lobster and steak for your birthday meal?
Vocabulary lists containing delectable
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Prisoner B-3087
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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.
The soaring quality of the orchestra and the delectable company of voices pay exhilarating homage to a singular artist, who seems right at home at the Pantages.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2026
The result: I took an inexpensive yoga class at a beautiful studio, and I ate the most delectable pastry I’ve ever had.
From MarketWatch ● May 19, 2026
Suzanna’s problems include the apparent near-insolvency of her father upon his death—possibly jeopardizing her studies in psychology—and the untender mercies of her mother, Susan, played with delectable evil-queen imperiousness by Linda Emond.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 7, 2026
Dessert was the sesame mochi xiao long bao, a delectable finish that didn’t disappoint.
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2025
Better to abstain from the gardens of delectable delights than to be stuck planting them, dawn to dusk.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
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.
