Voluptuous
adjective /vəˈlʌptʃʊəs/ — Relating to or characterized by sensual pleasure.
Definition
Characterized by luxury, sensual pleasure, or indulgence; relating to physical or sensory pleasure; (of a person or form) curvaceous and sexually attractive.
Beyond the definition
Voluptuous is the word for pleasure taken seriously — the full, rich, physical quality of an experience engaged with completely. It carries both the physical and the sensory: a voluptuous meal, a voluptuous painting, a voluptuous voice. The word gives permission to enjoy completely, without apology.
Origin & history
From Latin voluptuosus (full of pleasure), from voluptas (pleasure, delight), from volo (I wish). Related to the Epicurean concept of voluptas — the pleasure that is the goal of a well-lived life.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The painting had a voluptuous quality — every surface rich with paint and intention.
She moved with a voluptuous unhurriedness that made every gesture seem significant.
The dessert was unashamedly voluptuous — cream, chocolate, caramel, and nothing withheld.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Voluptuous” when the meaning fits your context: Characterized by luxury, sensual pleasure, or indulgence; relating to physical or sensory pleasure; (of a person or form) curvaceous and sexually attractive.
Synonyms
sensual, lush, luxurious, curvaceous
Antonyms
austere, ascetic, restrained
Related words
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
Swirling Pigment Textures
Thick, rich pigments on a palette swirl into textured layers under shifting, warm light, suggesting depth and sensory indulgence.
The dense, tactile quality of the swirling paint represents the sensory pleasure and richness associated with the word, moving beyond human form to capture the essence of physical indulgence and luxury.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Voluptuous" mean?
Voluptuous is adjective meaning: Relating to or characterized by sensual pleasure.. Characterized by luxury, sensual pleasure, or indulgence; relating to physical or sensory pleasure; (of a person or form) curvaceous and sexually attractive.
Where does the word "Voluptuous" come from?
From Latin voluptuosus (full of pleasure), from voluptas (pleasure, delight), from volo (I wish). Related to the Epicurean concept of voluptas — the pleasure that is the goal of a well-lived life.