English Reference

Word

voluptuous

Phoneticsvolup·tuous

US/vəˈɫəptʃəwəs/

UK/vəlˈʌptʃuːəs/

Definition

adj. having a full, curvy, and attractive body. It can also describe something that feels very rich, soft, or pleasant to the senses.

adj. possessing a full, curvaceous, and attractive figure; alternatively, providing a rich, intense, or sensuous pleasure. Often carries a slightly erotic or indulgent connotation.

Examples

“The actress is famous for her voluptuous figure.”

“The chef described the chocolate cake as a voluptuous treat that melted perfectly on the tongue.”

“The novelist's prose is often criticized for being too voluptuous, as it prioritizes sensory detail over the psychological depth of the characters.”

Examples

simple

“The actress is famous for her voluptuous figure.”

contextual

“The chef described the chocolate cake as a voluptuous treat that melted perfectly on the tongue.”

complex

“The novelist's prose is often criticized for being too voluptuous, as it prioritizes sensory detail over the psychological depth of the characters.”

Real-World Examples

“Voluptuous clarinet lines and the weird slow clang of oboe multiphonics injected colour into the otherwise rather austere repetitions of Backlight.”
The Guardian · 18 Sept 2026
“Harman returned to the stage post-premiere for Elgar’s charming Romance for bassoon and orchestra, allowing this period instrument ensemble a rare opportunity for voluptuous tone and a spot of Edwardian passion.”
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle French voluptueux, from Latin voluptuōsus (“delightful”), from voluptās (“pleasure, delight”), from volup (“with pleasure”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference