voluptuary

American  

[vuh-luhp-choo-er-ee] / vəˈlʌp tʃuˌɛr i /

noun

plural

voluptuaries

1. a person whose life is devoted to the pursuit and enjoyment of luxury and sensual pleasure.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by preoccupation with luxury and sensual pleasure.

   voluptuary tastes.

voluptuary British  

/ vəˈlʌptjʊərɪ /

noun

1. a person devoted or addicted to luxury and sensual pleasures

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adjective

1. of, relating to, characterized by, or furthering sensual gratification or luxury

Etymology

Origin of voluptuary

First recorded in 1595–1605; from French voluptuaire, from Late Latin voluptuārius, from Latin “pertaining to (sensual) pleasure,” equivalent to volupt(ās) “pleasure, delight” + -ārius adjective suffix; see -ary; for -u- see voluptuous

Explanation

A voluptuary loves the good life — he is a person whose fondest wish might be to lie on a velvet sofa while being fed chocolate cupcakes. Another word for voluptuary is hedonist, someone whose favorite things are comfort and luxury, and whose highest priority is sensual pleasure. A voluptuary might be especially fond of fine clothing, delicious food, and a luxurious home. The Latin root of voluputary is voluptas, which means "pleasure," and that is exactly what a voluptuary is preoccupied with, his or her own pleasure.

Example Sentences

The Philosophy of the Devotee, the Man of Affairs, and the Voluptuary.

From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton

Enjoyment is not to be found by Excess in any sensual Gratification; but on the contrary, the immoderate Cravings of the Voluptuary, are always succeeded with Loathing and a palled Apetite.

From Benjamin Franklin Representative selections, with introduction, bibliograpy, and notes by Jorgenson, Chester E.

Voluptuary, vō-lup′tū-a-ri, n. a voluptuous person, or one excessively given to bodily enjoyments or luxury: a sensualist.—adj. promoting sensual pleasure.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

The Philosophy of the Devotee, the Man of Affairs, and the Voluptuary 12 § 6.

From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton

"Voluptuary will carry the whole of us—Authors, Managers, and Actors—to victory!"

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, October 1, 1892 by Various