sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)(t)-shə-wəs 
-shəs,
-shwəs
: extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent
sumptuous banquets
a sumptuous residence
also
: magnificent sense 4
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
Did you know?
The word sumptuous typically describes things that can only be had at some significant expense, a fact that keeps the modern English word tied to its Latin source: sumptus, meaning "expense." Another English adjective, sumptuary, has the same Latin source, but today is found mostly in the context of sumptuary laws, largely historical regulations limiting extravagant expenditures and habits, especially on moral or religious grounds.
Synonyms
Examples of sumptuous in a Sentence
the cruise ship claims to offer sumptuous furnishings, exquisitely prepared cuisine, and stellar entertainment
Recent Examples on the Web
The villa’s 15 guest rooms, with Loro Piana fabrics and private balconies, are sumptuous surroundings for a transformative getaway.
—
Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025
The most impressive aspect of Schlesinger’s film is its sense of place: the sunny, awesomely relaxed, fetid warmth captured by Conrad Hall’s sumptuous cinematography.
—Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
Adam sticks the landing, so to speak, with a sumptuous corner sofa and patterned rug.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
The hotel's restaurant and bar, Regent, brings guests on a sumptuous journey through France with classics like beef tartare, foie gras, steak frites, and cassoulet, as well as some dishes with a twist — the onion soup, for example, is prepared with duck broth.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous 
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Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025
The most impressive aspect of Schlesinger’s film is its sense of place: the sunny, awesomely relaxed, fetid warmth captured by Conrad Hall’s sumptuous cinematography.
—Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
Adam sticks the landing, so to speak, with a sumptuous corner sofa and patterned rug.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
The hotel's restaurant and bar, Regent, brings guests on a sumptuous journey through France with classics like beef tartare, foie gras, steak frites, and cassoulet, as well as some dishes with a twist — the onion soup, for example, is prepared with duck broth.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sumptuous
Dictionary Entries Near sumptuous
Cite this Entry
“Sumptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sumptuous. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sumptuous
adjective
sump·tu·ous
ˈsəm(p)-ch(ə-w)əs
sumptuously
adverb
sumptuousness
noun
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