Luxuriant describes something growing thickly, richly, and abundantly. When plants grow luxuriant, they thrive with exceptional vigor: think of a rainforest where vines cascade down trees, ferns crowd the forest floor, and leaves form a dense canopy overhead. A luxuriant garden overflows with healthy, vigorous plants.

The word most often describes plants, but it can describe anything that grows profusely. Someone might have luxuriant hair that's thick, healthy, and full. A luxuriant beard grows dense and wild. A luxuriant lawn spreads thick and green across a yard.

The feeling behind luxuriant is one of abundance and vitality. It suggests growth that goes beyond what's merely adequate. A few scattered weeds aren't luxuriant, but a field of wildflowers covering every inch of the ground is. When you picture luxuriant growth, imagine nature at its most generous and energetic: flourishing with life rather than struggling to survive.

Don't confuse luxuriant with luxurious, which means expensive or extremely comfortable. Luxuriant focuses specifically on rich, abundant growth, while luxurious describes wealth and comfort.