toothsome

American  

[tooth-suhm] / ˈtuθ səm /

adjective

1. pleasing to the taste; palatable.

   a toothsome dish.

2. pleasing or desirable, as fame or power.

3. voluptuous; sexually alluring.

   a toothsome blonde.

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toothsome British  

/ ˈtuːθsəm /

adjective

1. of delicious or appetizing appearance, flavour, or smell

2. attractive; alluring

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Other Word Forms

• toothsomely adverb
• toothsomeness noun

Etymology

Origin of toothsome

First recorded in 1545–55; tooth + -some ¹

Example Sentences

It’s a particularly toothsome, sapid red marked by notes of red fruit and spice, and a wonderful match with a wide range of foods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

But for California readers, the most toothsome morsel involves Harris’ longtime frenemy, Gov. Gavin Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2025

After years of sailing the world, he pursues his toothsome dreams in a Euro-ville pastiche, with a vaulted shopping arcade and a plaza large enough to hold big musical numbers.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2023

In the end, despite the toothsome creatures’ fearsome reputation, it was humans that did the sharks in.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2023

‘Madge—in case you’ve been wondering—is going to marry me ... aren’t you, you toothsome, plump, suet pudding?’

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes