luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈlə-shəs 

1

a

: having a delicious taste or smell : sweet

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

b

archaic : excessively sweet : cloying

2

: sexually attractive : seductive, sexy

a luscious actress

3

a

: richly luxurious or appealing to the senses

her luscious voice swelling and decaying with total control, her low notes booming sonorously

—Gary Giddins

b

: excessively ornate

rich and luscious phrases, thick with imagery

—Ruth Park

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun

Did you know?

Have you ever heard a young child describe a favorite food as “licius” instead of “delicious”? Back in the Middle Ages, the word licius was sometimes used as a shortened form of delicious by adults and kids alike. Linguists believe that luscious may have developed when licius (which comes from the Latin verb delicere, meaning “to entice by charm or attraction”) was further altered to lucius by 15th-century speakers. The adjective lush can sometimes mean “delicious” as well but is not a shortened form of luscious, having developed on its own from the Middle English lusch, meaning “soft or tender.”

Synonyms

• ambrosial
• appetizing
• dainty
• delectable
• delicious
• delish
• flavorful
• flavorsome
• lush
• mouthwatering
• palatable
• savory
• savoury
• scrumptious
• succulent
• tasteful
• tasty
• toothsome
• toothy
• yummy

Examples of luscious in a Sentence

chocolate cake with a luscious whipped cream topping

a luscious strawberry bursting with juice

Recent Examples on the Web

The luscious, almost red-wine color is a chic addition to the occasional drudgeries of winter and surely to elevate even the most relaxed and cozy outfits. —Emma Sandler, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Our host for the second time is Jerry Lewis — and this year, for the first time, there’s a big luscious set, rather than just some sort of onstage drawing room. —Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025

And so they’re typically gathered from the wild and taste of it, luscious and nutty, profoundly of the earth. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Sugar, butter, eggs, and your choice of thickening agent (flour or cornmeal or a combo of both), come together to make a luscious custard filling that will please even the pickiest of pie eaters. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lucius, perhaps alteration of licius, short for delicious

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for luscious

• piceous

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Kids Definition

luscious

adjective

lus·​cious ˈləsh-əs 

1

: having a delicious taste or smell

luscious berries

2

: appealing to the senses : delightful

lusciously adverb

lusciousness noun