delectable

1 of 3

adjective

de·​lec·​ta·​ble di-ˈlek-tə-bəl How to pronounce delectable (audio)
Synonyms of delectable
1
: highly pleasing : delightful
a delectable melody
2
: delicious
a delectable meal
delectability
di-ˌlek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce delectable (audio)
noun
delectably
di-ˈlek-tə-blē How to pronounce delectable (audio)
adverb

delectable

2 of 3

noun (1)

: something that is highly pleasing or delicious
especially : a delicious food item
pastries and other delectables

delectability

3 of 3

noun (2)

de·​lec·​ta·​bil·​i·​ty də̇ˌlektəˈbilətē How to pronounce delectability (audio)
dēˌ-, 
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: delectable quality or condition

Synonyms of delectable

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Adjective

Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of delectable in a Sentence

Adjective The meals he prepares are always delectable. one of the most delectable men she's ever met Noun (1) a gourmet shop filled with delectables for every palate, albeit not for every pocketbook
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Patrons can opt for either the chef’s tasting menu or the four-course menu, both of which include seafood, wagyu, and delectable desserts. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 However, the centifolia rose note mixed with the sweet smell of freesia and crisp peony finish create an intoxicatingly warm profile that’s delectable. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 24 June 2026
Noun
And just like there are street vendors who cater to humans, there's one guy who runs a food truck offering doggie delectables. — Eyder Peralta, NPR, 4 June 2025 Haus has been dishing the delectables for more than a decade in Tustin and continues to build a clientele of devotees. — Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delectable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin dēlectābilis, from dēlectāre "to entice, exert fascination on, charm, delight" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at delight entry 2, -able

Noun (1)

derivative of delectable entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delectable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for delectable

See All Rhymes for delectable

Browse Nearby Words

delectability
delectable
delectableness
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Cite this Entry

“Delectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delectable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

delectable

adjective
de·​lec·​ta·​ble
di-ˈlek-tə-bəl
1
: highly pleasing : delightful
2
: delicious
delectably
-blē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on delectable

Nglish: Translation of delectable for Spanish Speakers

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