lavish

American  

[lav-ish] / ˈlæv ɪʃ /

adjective

1. expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion.

   lavish spending.

   Synonyms:

   wild, unrestrained, wasteful, unreasonable, thriftless, intemperate, improvident, immoderate, extravagant, excessive

   Antonyms:

   meager, sparing

2. using or giving in great amounts; prodigal (often followed byof ).

   lavish of his time;

   lavish of affection.

   Synonyms:

   unsparing, openhanded, munificent, liberal, free, effusive, bountiful, generous

   Antonyms:

   tight-fisted, tight, stingy, parsimonious, miserly, cheap

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verb (used with object)

1. to expend or give in great amounts or without limit.

   to lavish gifts on a person.

   Synonyms:

   dissipate, squander, waste, shower, heap

   Antonyms:

   withhold, stint, begrudge

lavish British  

/ ˈlævɪʃ /

adjective

1. prolific, abundant, or profuse

2. generous; unstinting; liberal

3. extravagant; prodigal; wasteful

   lavish expenditure

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verb

1. (tr) to give, expend, or apply abundantly, generously, or in profusion

Related Words

Lavish, prodigal, profuse refer to that which exists in abundance and is poured out copiously. Lavish suggests (sometimes excessive) generosity and openhandedness: lavish hospitality; much too lavish. Prodigal suggests wastefulness, improvidence, and reckless impatience of restraint: a prodigal extravagance. Profuse emphasizes abundance, but may suggest overemotionalism, exaggeration, or the like: profuse thanks, compliments, apologies.

Other Word Forms

• lavisher noun
• lavishly adverb
• lavishment noun
• lavishness noun
• overlavish adjective
• overlavishness noun
• unlavish adjective
• unlavished adjective

Etymology

Origin of lavish

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English lavas “profusion” (noun), “profuse” (adjective), from Middle French lavasse, lavache “downpour of rain,” derivative of laver “to wash,” from Latin lavāre

Explanation

Lavish means "generous and extravagant" as an adjective and "to give generously" as a verb. If you don't like it when people lavish you with attention, you might appreciate a lavish spread of excellent food instead. Lavish comes from the Old French lavache meaning "deluge, torrent," referring to rain. When you see it, think of a shower of good things coming down on you as you never use lavish with something bad. Didn't your parents lavish you with praise and love when you were small? With lavish as an adjective, you can rephrase that question like this: Didn't your parents offer you lavish praise and love when you were little?

Example Sentences

In both cases, it’s hard not to be impressed with how well the lavish sonics evoke the pop of a past era, which is comforting for anyone repelled by today’s computer-driven productions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The other bedrooms offer the same lavish touch and enough space for at least a queen-sized bed, while the bathrooms boast glass-enclosed showers, large soaking tubs, and dual vanities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

A former Nigerian oil minister accused of being treated to luxury home stays and lavish spending sprees in the UK in exchange for granting government contracts has denied asking for or taking bribes.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Both off and on the festival grounds, these brands host a series of parties, pop-ups and other VIP events that lavish celebrities, influencers and artists with premium experiences.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Lanning was coming, his gray eyebrows as lavish as ever, his aged figure unbent as yet and full of life.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Related Words

• bountiful
• effusive
• excessive
• extravagant
• exuberant
• generous
• gorgeous
• grand
• lush
• luxurious
• opulent
• plush
• posh
• profligate
• ritzy
• sumptuous
• swanky
• wasteful