voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tu·​ous və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs 

-shəs

1

a

: suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form

voluptuous nudes

b

: full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious

a voluptuous dance

voluptuous ornamentation

a voluptuous wine

2

: given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications

a long and voluptuous holiday

—Edmund Wilson

voluptuously adverb

voluptuousness noun

Synonyms

• carnal
• fleshly
• luscious
• lush
• sensual
• sensuous

Choose the Right Synonym for voluptuous

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses.

sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

Examples of voluptuous in a Sentence

the voluptuous richness of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Watteau’s voluptuous reclining nude looks back expectantly over her shoulder. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

To the world, Anna Nicole Smith was a glamorous, voluptuous blonde Hollywood bombshell. —Allie Yang, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2024

This age-old architectural trinity is epitomized in the home’s centerpiece—a voluptuous, curved staircase. —Leilani Marie Labong, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2024

There is also, to the best of my recollection, no jewelry decorating these voluptuous revelers, and no gems are involved in major plot twists—no stories that turn on that eternal tragedy, a precious keepsake floating away in the sea. —Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 20 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

voluptuous

adjective

vo·​lup·​tuous

və-ˈləp-chə(-wə)s

: giving pleasure to the senses

voluptuously adverb

voluptuousness noun