lush
/lʌʃ/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Full of healthy, rich plant growth. It often describes a place that looks green, thick, and beautiful.
- The valley was lush after the rain.
- We walked through lush gardens.
- Her garden looks lush in summer.
- 2.
Rich, full, and attractive in a pleasing way. It can describe colours, style, sound, or food.
- The hotel room had a lush design.
- He prefers lush music with warm strings.
- The cake had a lush, creamy filling.
- 3.
Informal. Very expensive, luxurious, or indulgent.
- They stayed in a lush beachfront villa.
- It was a lush meal at a fine restaurant.
- She wore a lush silk dress.
Adinary Nuance
Lush is close to luxuriant, green, and rich, but it feels more vivid and sensory. Use lush when you want to show beauty, fullness, or plenty, not just a simple amount. It is more descriptive than luxurious, which usually focuses on wealth and comfort.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tươi tốt
- Spanish
- frondoso
- Chinese
- 茂密的
- Japanese
- 青々とした
- Korean
- 무성한
Etymology
Lush came into English in the 1600s. It first meant 'soft' or 'pliant', and later grew into the idea of rich, abundant growth and luxury.
Common phrases
lush greenlush vegetationlush gardenlush surroundings
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is lush a positive word?
- Yes, it usually sounds positive. It suggests beauty, richness, or healthy growth.
- What is the difference between lush and luxurious?
- Lush often describes plants, colours, or textures. Luxurious usually describes comfort, wealth, or expensive things.
- Can I use lush for music or food?
- Yes. It can describe something rich, full, and pleasant, like lush music or a lush sauce.
- Is lush formal or informal?
- It is common in both speaking and writing. The 'expensive' meaning is a little informal.