Sybarite

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsɪbəˌraɪt/

Origin

From Latin Sybarita, from Ancient Greek Συβαρίτης (Subaritēs, "inhabitant of Subaris"), from Σύβαρις (Subaris, "Sybaris (an ancient Greek city in southeastern Italy noted for the luxurious, pleasure-seeking habits of many of its inhabitants)")

Full definition of sybarite

Noun

1. A person devoted to pleasure and luxury; a voluptuary.
• 1969, Victor Ernest Watts (translator), Boethius (author), The Consolation of Philosophy, Penguin Books, book III, chapter iv, page 87:Although the proud lord clothed himself // In purple robes and gem-stones white, // Yet Nero grew to all men’s hate // A wild and cruel sybarite.
• 2011 December 16th, William Grimes, “Obituary of Christopher Hitchens” in the New York Times:Thus began a dual career as political agitator and upper-crust sybarite. He arranged a packed schedule of antiwar demonstrations by day and Champagne-flooded parties with Oxford’s elite at night.

Synonyms

Anagrams

• bestiary