What does lusty mean?
Lusty is an adjective describing someone or something that appears healthy, vigorous, and full of energy. It commonly conveys a sense of physical robustness, but it can also apply to a hearty appetite, a robust laugh, or a vigorous and energetic manner. The word is generally neutral to approving in modern use, although in older literary contexts it can describe a person as strongly sensual or lustful. A phrase such as “a lusty appetite” emphasizes appetite and physical appetite rather than sexuality. In a sentence about a strong constitution or an energetic person, “lusty” adds a colorful, old-fashioned flavor that is more expressive than simply saying “healthy” or “vigorous.” It is especially useful when the intended sense is not merely strength but an overall impression of vitality and substantial physical presence.
adjectiveHealthy, vigorous, and robust; used especially of a person, appetite, or manner that is hearty and full of energy. In older or literary contexts, it can also mean strongly sensual or lustful.
- Vigorous, healthy, and full of physical energy.
- Hearty and strong, especially in relation to appetite, laughter, or manner.
- In older or literary usage, strongly sensual or lustful.
"The hikers set off with a lusty appetite and enough energy for the long walk."
"After a week of hard work, the workers shared a lusty meal."
"The novel's central character is a lusty explorer with a fondness for adventure."
A lusty word brings both vigor and appetite: it can describe a robust person, a hearty laugh, or an unapologetically strong appetite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lusty
Lusty developed in Middle English from forms related to the Old English word lyst, meaning pleasure, desire, or delight. The adjective originally carried the sense of pleasurable, eager, or spirited, and its modern associations with vigor and health developed from that history. The word belongs to a Germanic family that includes related forms in other Germanic languages, while the English derivatives lustful and lustily continue to reflect the same older root.
Related word forms
How lusty is actually used
The modern sense is usually positive or approving, suggesting health, energy, and robustness. Its older sexual sense is less common and may sound literary or dated.
Easily confused with lusty
Lusty means vigorous, hearty, or robust, whereas lustrous means shining or glossy.