adj.
Pronunciation: v ə - ' l ə p(t)-sh ə -w ə s, -sh ə s
Function: adjective
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
Date: 14th century
1 a : 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> b : suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form < voluptuous nudes>
2 : given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications <a long and voluptuous holiday ― Edmund Wilson>
synonyms see SENSUOUS
– vo · lup · tu · ous · ly adverb
– vo · lup · tu · ous · ness noun