Lavish
/ˈlæv.ɪʃ/noun
Given or done in great abundance; extravagant or luxurious.
Did you know?The word entered English with senses like “to pour out abundantly” and may be influenced by Old French forms connected to washing or flooding, which is why its history feels like excess made into a word.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lavare
“to wash”
Old French
Old French
laviss- / lavis
“to pour out, scatter, or expend freely”
Middle English
English
lavisshen
“to pour out abundantly; spend or scatter freely”
16th Century
English
lavish
“profuse, excessive, extravagant”
Modern English
English
lavish
“given or done in great abundance; extravagant or luxurious”
Explore more surprising origins