adjective

succulent

/ˈsʌkjələnt/ · say it: SUK·yuh·luhnt

tender, juicy, and tasty

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) (of food) tender and juicy, pleasant to eat

2. (noun) a type of plant with thick, fleshy leaves that stores water

Examples

1. The steak was so succulent that it melted in my mouth.
2. Cacti and aloe are popular succulents for indoor gardening.

How to use succulent

As an adjective, succulent describes food that is tender, juicy, and appetizing, often used in culinary contexts to praise texture and moisture. As a noun, it refers to drought-resistant plants (like cacti or aloe) with thick, fleshy leaves. The adjective sense is more commonly used in food writing; the noun sense is standard in gardening and botany.

Common phrases

succulent steak
succulent meat
succulent fruit
succulent plant
succulent dessert

Synonyms

juicy · tender · luscious · mouthwatering · delectable

Opposites

dry · tough · stringy

Word family

succulence (noun) · succulently (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the adjective succulent with sweet or flavorful, but it primarily describes texture and moisture content, not taste.

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