Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a rich, strong, and satisfying flavor or aroma: Used primarily to describe beverages, especially wines, coffees, or spirits, that have a complex, intense, and well-rounded taste and a substantial, often viscous, feel in the mouth.
   • Substantial and complete in character or quality: Can describe things other than beverages that possess a rich, deep, or powerful quality.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • This full-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with steak.
  • He prefers a full-bodied coffee that can stand up to milk.
  • The orchestra produced a wonderfully full-bodied sound.

Advanced Usage

• Sensory Description: The term is often used in professional tasting notes to describe the combination of flavor intensity, alcohol content, tannins (in wine), and mouthfeel.
  • The critic's notes described the beer as surprisingly full-bodied for its light color.
• Metaphorical Use: Can be applied metaphorically to describe art, music, or writing that feels rich, complete, and substantial.
  • The novel is celebrated for its full-bodied portrayal of 19th-century life.

Variants and Related Words

• Body (n): In the context of beverages, "body" refers to the weight, thickness, and overall texture felt in the mouth. A "full-bodied" drink has a lot of body.
  • This tea lacks body; it's quite thin.
• Light-bodied (adj): The opposite of full-bodied; describing a drink that is delicate, thin, or less intense in flavor and mouthfeel.
  • She chose a light-bodied white wine for the appetizer.

Synonyms

• Robust: Strong and full of flavor; hearty.
• Rich: Having a lot of flavor, often implying sweetness or depth.
• Hearty: Wholesome and substantial in flavor or character.

Antonyms

• Thin: Lacking in flavor, body, or substance.
• Watery: Diluted and weak in flavor.
• Light-bodied: Delicate and lacking intensity.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To have body: A phrase used to describe a drink's substantial texture and richness.
  • A good stout should have body.
• Full-flavored: Similar in meaning, emphasizing strong and complete taste.
  • It's a full-flavored ale with hints of caramel.

Adjective

1. marked by richness and fullness of flavor
   • a rich ruby port
   • full-bodied wines
   • a robust claret
   • the robust flavor of fresh-brewed coffee