pleasurable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pleasurable
Explanation
Something pleasurable is fun or satisfying in some way. You probably find petting your cat pleasurable, but your cat may feel that scratching the sofa is much more pleasurable for him. Things that give you pleasure — because they're entertaining, funny, pleasant, or delicious — are pleasurable. Pleasure — just like beauty — tends to be in the eye of the beholder. Your idea of a pleasurable summer day might be lounging in a hammock with a good book and a glass of iced tea. And, while your sister thinks spending Saturday at the mall is pleasurable, that might sound like the least pleasurable activity in the world to you. The Latin root, placere, means "to please."
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.
Fortunately the plot’s fairly predictable turns—the climax is a funny sing-off between Paulina and Ericka during a performance of the Whitney Houston power ballad “The Greatest Love of All”—are softened by the purely pleasurable performances.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Sometimes, Dhar says, anticipation can be more pleasurable than ownership: "The thrill is in the chase."
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
They may also weaken the pleasurable reward signals that make certain foods especially tempting.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 25, 2026
We already know, from the rise of charcuterie boards, snack plates and the much-debated “girl dinner,” that mix-and-match formats are inherently pleasurable.
From Salon ● Feb. 12, 2026
“I am very greatly rejoiced to find that an occasion has occurred so pleasurable that the people cannot restrain themselves,” he jokes.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
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