What does succulent mean?
Succulent is an adjective describing something that is soft, fleshy, and richly moist. It is especially used for fruit and vegetables, but it can also describe meat, plants, and other natural materials. In figurative use, succulent means attractive, appealing, or rich in visual or sensory detail, as in a description of a lush landscape or an appealing opportunity. The related noun refers to a plant with thick, fleshy stems or leaves that store water, allowing it to survive in dry conditions. The word can therefore describe both the texture and richness of living things and the visual appeal of a scene. Its usefulness lies in its ability to convey moisture and fleshy texture while also suggesting freshness, vitality, and abundance.
Soft, fleshy, and full of moisture; juicy.
"The cook sliced the succulent tomatoes and arranged them with fresh herbs."
In figurative use, it can mean rich, attractive, and visually appealing.
A plant with thick, fleshy stems or leaves that store water.
"The gardener planted several succulents along the sunny windowsill."
The botanical sense includes plants such as cacti, aloes, and many other water-storing species.
The plural is used for multiple water-storing plants or for multiple fleshy plant parts, depending on context.
"The conservatory contains hundreds of succulents from arid regions."
Succulent plants survive drought by storing water in their thick leaves or stems—an ancient survival strategy that makes them striking as well as useful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does succulent come from?
The word comes from Latin succulentus, meaning juicy or full of sap, derived from succus, juice or moisture. English borrowed the term in the 17th century, initially for juicy or fleshy plant parts. Its use for water-storing plants developed from the association between their fleshy tissues and the moisture they contain.
Related word forms
How succulent is actually used
The adjective is common in descriptions of fruit, vegetables, meat, and plants. Its figurative use, meaning attractive and appealing, is especially associated with descriptions of places, images, and opportunities.
Easily confused with succulent
Juicy describes food that contains a lot of liquid, whereas succulent more specifically suggests a soft, fleshy texture that may also contain abundant moisture.