voluptuous
Americanadjective
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full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment.
a voluptuous life.
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derived from gratification of the senses.
voluptuous pleasure.
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directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure.
voluptuous desires.
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sensuously pleasing or delightful.
voluptuous beauty.
adjective
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relating to, characterized by, or consisting of pleasures of the body or senses; sensual
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disposed, devoted, or addicted to sensual indulgence or luxurious pleasures
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provocative and sexually alluring, esp through shapeliness or fullness
a voluptuous woman
Related Words
See sensual.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of voluptuous
First recorded 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin voluptuōsus, equivalent to volupt(ās), “pleasure” + -ōsus -ous; -u- probably by association with sumptuōsus sumptuous
Explanation
The adjective voluptuous is used to describe someone who is attractive and curvy. Marilyn Monroe was known for her voluptuous figure. Being voluptuous means being full-figured and curvy, but this word doesn't only apply to body types. A house that's luxurious, lavishly decorated, and full of delicious food could also be called voluptuous. This word derives from a Latin root meaning "delightful or pleasurable."
Vocabulary lists containing voluptuous
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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.
She has also competed in international pageants and won the title of Miss Voluptuous Wales.
From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025
Voluptuous beauties, over-60s, as well as male and female models from diverse racial background stepped out into the flashes of the camera sparkling in light, optimistic and playful couture designs.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2022
Voluptuous texture and lush fruit make rubies good partners for chocolate desserts.
From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2021
There's even a small show-within-the-show — "Tony Greene: Amid Voluptuous Calm" — that gives a scathing historical face to the mess American society finds itself in today.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2014
"The morn has enterprise, deep quiet droops With evening, triumph takes the sunset hour, Voluptuous transport ripens with the corn Beneath a warm moon like a happy face."
From Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher by Jones, Henry, Sir
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.