Word
luxuriant
Phoneticslux·u·ri·ant, stress on the second syllable
US/ɫəɡˈʒɝiənt/
UK/lˈʌɡʒjʊɹˌiənt/
Definition
adj. growing thick, healthy, and strong. You use this to describe plants that are very green and full, or hair that is thick and beautiful.
adj. characterised by abundant, thick, and vigorous growth. Often describes vegetation or hair that appears rich and healthy.
Examples
“The garden is full of luxuriant green plants.”
“After the heavy spring rains, the valley was covered in a luxuriant carpet of wildflowers and tall grass.”
“The novelist spent several pages describing the luxuriant tropical landscape, emphasizing the dense canopy and the vibrant colors of the exotic flora.”
Examples
simple
“The garden is full of luxuriant green plants.”
contextual
“After the heavy spring rains, the valley was covered in a luxuriant carpet of wildflowers and tall grass.”
complex
“The novelist spent several pages describing the luxuriant tropical landscape, emphasizing the dense canopy and the vibrant colors of the exotic flora.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “luxuriant” in context.
Verb
01. admire luxuriant
“Visitors often stop to admire the luxuriant growth in the botanical gardens.”
verb + adj
02. luxuriant foliage
“The trees were heavy with luxuriant foliage, providing deep shade.”
adj + noun
03. luxuriant growth
“The warm, damp climate encourages luxuriant growth in the rainforest.”
adj + noun
04. luxuriant hair
“The portrait depicted a woman with long, luxuriant hair.”
adj + noun
05. luxuriant vegetation
“Luxuriant vegetation covered the valley floor after the monsoon rains.”
adj + noun
06. maintain luxuriant
“Specific fertilizers help maintain luxuriant foliage throughout the summer.”
verb + adj
Adjective
07. truly luxuriant
“The tropical island is famous for its truly luxuriant vegetation.”
adv + adj
08. wonderfully luxuriant
“She was admired for her wonderfully luxuriant dark hair.”
adv + adj
Noun
09. profusion of luxuriant
“The garden was a profusion of luxuriant plants and exotic flowers.”
noun + prep + adj
10. become increasingly luxuriant
“As we moved south, the landscape became increasingly luxuriant.”
11. noted for luxuriant vegetation
“The region is noted for its luxuriant vegetation and diverse wildlife.”
12. thick and luxuriant hair
“The model was chosen for her thick and luxuriant hair.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often carries a positive connotation of richness or health.
Pitfall
a luxurious garden
a luxuriant garden
Learners confuse 'luxuriant' (thick growth) with 'luxurious' (expensive and comfortable).
Real-World Examples
“It is tempting to roll oneself up in the Pomona tapestry (1885; linen embroidered with silk) hanging in the huge Burne-Jones show, because it looks luxuriant and inviting, but security won’t permit it.” Etymology
From Latin lūxuriāns, the present participle of lūxuriō, itself derived from lūxuria ("luxury, excess"). The English formation is equivalent to luxury + -ant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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