What does luxuriate mean?
Luxuriate means to grow in lush abundance or to enjoy life with extravagant comfort and pleasure. When used of plants, it evokes healthy, vigorous growth, as in vegetation that has spread freely in warm and fertile conditions. When used of people or places, it often suggests relaxing without moderation, taking pleasure in rich food, beautiful surroundings, or ample time. The word is more literary than everyday and can convey either admiring abundance or a mildly playful sense of excess. It is especially useful for describing something that has flourished, whether literally in nature or figuratively in style and atmosphere.
To grow or develop in a lush, abundant, or luxurious way; to flourish excessively.
"The ivy luxuriates across the old stone wall."
Commonly descriptive of vegetation, gardens, or other natural growth, and often literary in style.
To enjoy luxury, comfort, or pleasure without restraint.
"They luxuriated in the hot springs during the winter afternoon."
Often implies indulgence or extravagance, with a tone that can be admiring or lightly humorous.
To luxuriate is to let abundance become an experience: a garden, a meal, or a quiet afternoon can be enjoyed without reserve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does luxuriate come from?
The verb comes from Latin luxuria, meaning “luxury” or “extravagance,” which is related to luxus, “luxury, excess, or extravagance.” English borrowed the word in the early 17th century in the sense of living in luxury or indulging in extravagant pleasure. Its later use for abundant or lush growth developed from the underlying association with fertility, richness, and excess.
Related word forms
How luxuriate is actually used
Usually literary or descriptive. It can suggest vigorous, abundant growth, or deliberately luxurious pleasure, and often carries a slightly indulgent or extravagant tone.