First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1lavish
adjective lav·ish \ˈla-vish\
: giving or using a large amount of something
: given in large amounts
: having a very rich and expensive quality
Full Definition of LAVISH
1
: expending or bestowing profusely : prodigal
2
a : expended or produced in abundance b : marked by profusion or excess
— lav·ish·ly adverb
— lav·ish·ness noun
See lavish defined for English-language learners
See lavish defined for kids
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Origin of LAVISH
Middle English laves, lavage, probably from Middle French lavasse, lavache downpour of rain, from laver to wash — more at lavage
Related to LAVISH
- Synonyms
- baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, inordinate, insane, intolerable, excessive, overdue, overextravagant, overmuch, overweening, plethoric, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable, undue, unmerciful
- Antonyms
- middling, moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate
Synonym Discussion of LAVISH
profuse, lavish, prodigal, luxuriant, lush, exuberant mean giving or given out in great abundance. profuse implies pouring forth without restraint <profuse apologies>. lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion <a lavish party>. prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources <prodigal spending>. luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance <a luxuriant beard>. lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance <a lush green lawn>. exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly <an exuberant imagination>.
Rhymes with LAVISH
2lavish
verb
Definition of LAVISH
transitive verb
: to expend or bestow with profusion : squander
See lavish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LAVISH
1542
LAVISHLY Defined for Kids
1lavish
adjective lav·ish \ˈla-vish\
Definition of LAVISH for Kids
1
: giving or involving a large amount : extravagant <The lobby contained a lavish display of flowers.>
2
: spent, produced, or given in large amounts <She received lavish praise.>
— lav·ish·ly adverb
Word History of LAVISH
Lavish comes from an older English noun lavish that meant “plenty.” This noun probably came from a medieval French word lavasse, “a heavy rain.” This French word is derived from a verb laver, “to wash,” which goes back to Latin lavare. Other English words that ultimately trace back to lavare are lavatory and laundry.
2lavish
verb
lav·ishedlav·ish·ing
Definition of LAVISH for Kids
: to spend, use, or give in large amounts <They lavished attention on the children.>
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