What does luxuriant mean?
Luxuriant means richly abundant, vigorous, and flourishing. It is especially used for vegetation, hair, and other natural forms that appear full, healthy, and abundant, as in “luxuriant growth.” The word can also describe writing, decoration, or style that is elaborate, sensuous, or lavish. Its usual connotation is positive, suggesting beauty and richness, although it may imply excess when applied to an overly ornate performance or extravagantly elaborate surroundings. The word is related to luxury and luxurious, but its basic emphasis is abundance and vigorous growth rather than expense or comfort alone.
adjectiveGrowing richly or abundantly; lush and vigorous. It can also describe something elaborate, luxurious, or lavish in appearance or style.
- Growing richly, abundantly, and often excessively; lush or vigorous.
- Richly ornate, elaborate, or lavish in style, appearance, or expression.
"The garden is luxuriant in spring, overflowing with dense greenery and vivid flowers."
"Luxuriant grasses covered the slopes after weeks of rain."
"Her luxuriant descriptions of food made the simple meal sound like a celebration."
From a word for luxury, luxuriant originally described growth so abundant that it seemed to express extravagance in nature itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does luxuriant come from?
The word comes from Latin luxurians, the present participle of luxuriare, meaning “to grow rank, luxuriantly, or extravagantly.” That verb is connected with luxus, meaning “excess” or “luxury.” English borrowed the adjective in the early 17th century, initially for abundant growth and later extending it to richly ornate or lavish style. Related English words include luxury, luxurious, and luxuriate.
Related word forms
How luxuriant is actually used
The word is usually approving when describing abundant plant growth or rich visual effect, but it can carry a faintly critical tone when suggesting excess, extravagance, or overly elaborate expression.
Easily confused with luxuriant
Luxuriant primarily suggests rich, abundant growth or an opulent abundance, whereas luxurious more often means richly comfortable, expensive, or sensually indulgent.