Epicurean
adjective / noun /ˌɛp.ɪ.kjʊˈriː.ən/ — Devoted to refined sensory pleasure, especially fine food and drink.
Definition
Relating to the appreciation of sensory pleasure, especially of fine food and drink. As a philosophical term, Epicurean refers to the follower of Epicurus, who argued that the highest good is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain — though he meant this far more subtly than the word now suggests.
Beyond the definition
The Epicurean knows that pleasure is not excess. It is attention. The pleasure of a single perfect fig, eaten slowly, is greater than the pleasure of a hundred eaten thoughtlessly.
Origin & history
Greek: from 'Epikouros' (Epicurus, 341–270 BCE). The philosopher who taught that pleasure — especially simple pleasures like good food, friendship, and philosophy — was the highest good.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
His epicurean tendencies showed in the extraordinary care he took with even ordinary meals.
She was Epicurean in the truest sense — not a glutton, but a refiner: always seeking the best, never the most.
The Epicurean philosophy has been misread as hedonism, but Epicurus himself lived on bread and water.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Epicurean” when the meaning fits your context: Relating to the appreciation of sensory pleasure, especially of fine food and drink. As a philosophical term, Epicurean refers to the follower of Epicurus, who argued that the highest good is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain — though he meant this far more subtly than the word now suggests.
Synonyms
hedonistic, pleasure-seeking, sensuous, gourmet
Antonyms
ascetic, spartan, abstemious
Related words
Epicurean vs hedonist
Epicurean refers to a refined, sophisticated appreciation for the best food and drink. Hedonist is a broader term describing someone whose primary life pursuit is physical pleasure in any form.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Savouring Rich Sauce and Bread
An adult in a kitchen holds bread dipped into a rich, steaming sauce with a satisfied expression.
The focused sensory pleasure derived from the rich food captures an Epicurean approach. It is the cultivation of a subtle, deep appreciation for the pleasure of the moment through high-quality sensory experience.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Epicurean" mean?
Epicurean is adjective / noun meaning: Devoted to refined sensory pleasure, especially fine food and drink.. Relating to the appreciation of sensory pleasure, especially of fine food and drink. As a philosophical term, Epicurean refers to the follower of Epicurus, who argued that the highest good is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain — though he meant this far more subtly than the word now suggests.
Where does the word "Epicurean" come from?
Greek: from 'Epikouros' (Epicurus, 341–270 BCE). The philosopher who taught that pleasure — especially simple pleasures like good food, friendship, and philosophy — was the highest good.