epicurean

[ ep-i-kyoo-ree-uhn, -kyoor-ee- ]

adjective

1. fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures; having luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking.
2. fit for an epicure:

   epicurean delicacies.

   Synonyms: rich, deluxe, lavish, luxury, gourmet

   Antonyms: frugal, modest, plain, simple, austere

3. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of Epicurus or Epicureanism.

noun

1. an epicure.
2. (initial capital letter) a disciple of Epicurus.

Epicurean

¹

/ ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the philosophy of Epicurus

noun

1. a follower of the philosophy of Epicurus

epicurean

²

/ ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən /

adjective

1. devoted to sensual pleasures, esp food and drink; hedonistic
2. suitable for an epicure

   an epicurean feast

noun

1. an epicure; gourmet

Derived Forms

• ˌEpicuˈreanˌism, noun
• ˌepicuˈreanˌism, noun

Other Words From

• nonep·i·cu·rean adjective noun
• unep·i·cu·rean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicurean¹

1350–1400; Middle English Epicurien < Latin Epicūrē ( us ) of Epicurus (< Greek Epikoúreios ) + -an

Example Sentences

But that doesn't stop him from blatantly misunderstanding the Greek philosopher Epicurus in his nonsensical complaint about "Epicurean liberalism."

From Salon

A few Latin works have been identified, but most of these contain Greek texts relating to the Epicurean school of philosophy.

From Scientific American

Mat Pond operates The Epicurean Trader in San Francisco, including four brick-and-mortar stores, an online shop and a corporate gift basket business.

From Seattle Times

Pastry chef Carolyn Ferguson, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and owns Belle Epicurean in Seattle, will bake about a dozen different savory and sweet pies for the chain.

From Seattle Times

Thomas Hobbes, although he was not an atomist, had developed a materialist, Epicurean philosophy which was universally understood to be hostile to religion.

From Literature