sumptuous
Americanadjective
-
entailing great expense, as from choice materials, fine work, etc.; costly.
a sumptuous residence.
-
luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid.
a sumptuous feast.
- Synonyms:
- munificent, luxurious, magnificent
adjective
-
expensive or extravagant
sumptuous costumes
-
magnificent; splendid
a sumptuous scene
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sumptuous
1475–85; < Latin sūmptuōsus, equivalent to sūmptu ( s ) expense ( see sumptuary) + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
Sumptuous could be used to describe a room appointed with the finest furniture, a lush orchestra playing a beautiful symphony, or a meal meant for a king. Sumptuous describes something that costs a lot and imparts sensory pleasure. Sumptuous comes from the Latin sumptus, which means "expensive." Sumptus is related to sumere, which means "to consume." The word sumptuous carries both meanings with it. It is a pricey, luxurious thing that's meant to be consumed or enjoyed. You wouldn't use sumptuous to describe a tractor, even if it has leather seats.
Vocabulary lists containing sumptuous
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
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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 opener was a microcosm; Naderi robbing Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kelsy then picking out Neil for a sumptuous finish.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Sorcinelli, aided by 11 seamstresses, displayed the green silk forming the basis of Leo's vestment for Rimini, rolling out the sumptuous fabric onto a long table.
From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026
One of the home’s more fascinating features is a sunken conversation pit lined with sumptuous sofas in the living room.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
Harry hasn’t acknowledged mortality enough to bother working out a succession plan for his small but proud operation, which takes him and Niki to some of the most sumptuous homes in the New York suburbs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
Then families and friends gather to feast on sumptuous food and honor the person’s longevity.
From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung
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.
