Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by great luxury, extravagance, and profusion; sumptuous to an exceptional degree. The word describes something that is lavish, magnificent, and abundant, often in the context of feasts, banquets, or lifestyles.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The wedding reception was a lucullan affair, with mountains of gourmet food and rivers of champagne.
  • They dined in lucullan splendor at the palace, surrounded by gold and silk.
  • The billionaire's lucullan lifestyle was the subject of much public fascination.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a literary or formal context to evoke a sense of historical or epic-scale luxury. It implies not just wealth, but a deliberate, almost theatrical display of abundance and opulence.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe something non-material that is exceptionally rich or abundant.
  • The author's lucullan prose was filled with vivid imagery and complex metaphors.

Variants and Related Words

• Lucullus (Proper noun): The Roman general Lucius Licinius Lucullus (c. 118–57/56 BCE), famous for his immense wealth and extravagant banquets. The adjective "lucullan" is derived directly from his name.
• Lucullean (Adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning as "lucullan."

Synonyms

• Lavish: Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
• Sumptuous: Splendid and expensive-looking.
• Opulent: Ostentatiously rich and luxurious.
• Luxurious: Extremely comfortable, elegant, and enjoyable, especially when involving great expense.
• Plentiful: Existing in or yielding great quantities; abundant (shares the sense of profusion).

Antonyms

• Frugal: Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
• Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries.
• Spartan: Showing or characterized by austerity or a lack of comfort or luxury.
• Meager: Lacking in quantity or quality.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A Lucullan feast/banquet: This is the most common collocation, directly referencing the historical origin. It describes an exceptionally lavish and bountiful meal.
  • The charity gala promised a Lucullan feast prepared by world-renowned chefs.

Adjective

1. characterized by extravagance and profusion
   • a lavish buffet
   • a lucullan feast