Gluttonous means eating or consuming far more than you need, often in a greedy, excessive way. A gluttonous person at a buffet might pile their plate impossibly high and go back for seconds and thirds even when they're no longer hungry, taking more than their fair share while others wait in line.

While we all overindulge sometimes at Thanksgiving dinner or a birthday party, being gluttonous suggests a pattern of overconsumption and lack of self-control. A gluttonous eater doesn't just enjoy food, they consume it without restraint or consideration for others.

The word can apply beyond food, too. Someone might have a gluttonous appetite for attention, always demanding to be the center of focus. A person could be gluttonous for power, never satisfied no matter how much authority they gain. In these cases, gluttonous describes wanting and taking more and more of something, driven by greed rather than genuine need.

The opposite of gluttonous behavior is moderation: taking what you need, enjoying it, and leaving enough for others.