Definition of lush

The word "lush" originated from the Old English word "hlāth" which meant "damp" or "moist." Over time, its meaning evolved to signify lushness, fertility, and abundance, as the dampness connoted the vitality of flourishing vegetation. The dictionary defines "lush" as an adjective that describes something as luxuriant, luscious, and prosperous, with luxuriance being the state of being profuse or opulent in growth, abundance, or richness. In contemporary English, the word "lush" is often used to describe things like vegetation, clothing, or beverages as appearing rich, lush, and thick. Its use as a term of abuse to describe heavy drinkers, however, came about in the early 20th century, due to its association with descriptive language describing drunkenness as being "lush with drink."