Etymology From Epicurean (“follower of Epicureanism”).
1
Pursuing pleasure, especially in reference to food or comfort.
The powers of the Canadian voyageurs and hunters in the consumption of meat strike the greenhorn with wonder and astonishment; and are only equalled by the gastronomical capabilities exhibited by Indian dogs, both following the same plan in their epicurean gorgings.1847, George Frederick Augustus Ruxton, Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains, page 267:
Though a list of the great writers contain all the constituents of an Epicurean feast, yet to most of us it resembles the menu of a Gargantuan banquet.1922, P. B. M. Allan, The Book-Hunter at Home, 2nd edition, London: Philip Allan & Co., page 61:
Etymology From Epicurean (“follower of Epicureanism”).
1
One who is devoted to pleasure.
I keep but a man and a maid, ever ready to slander and steal ; / I know it, and smile a hard-set smile, like a stoic, or like / A wiser epicurean, and let the world have its way.1855, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “Maud”, in Maud, and Other Poems, page 22:
Other eras have had their epicureans or hedonists, of course, who lived and sometimes died for the ideal of simplicity or pleasure in an epic kind of way. But today’s gazillion-strong influencer community has zero intellectual underpinning to it, which is why it’s so often the unwitting butt of its own joke.2025 April 3, Marina Hyde, “It’s With Love, Meghan – not just a TV show but a landmark piece of art. And not in a good way”, in The Guardian:
Epicurean
adj
UK /ˌɛpɪkjʊəˈɹiːən/ · US /ˌɛpɪkjʊˈɹiːən/
Etymology From Old French Epicurien, from Latin Epicureus, from Ancient Greek Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios, “Epicurean”), from Ἐπίκουρος (Epíkouros, “Epicurus”) + -ειος (-eios, “-ey: forming adjectives”).
1
Of or relating to Epicurus or Epicureanism, his philosophy.
Epicurean
noun
Etymology From Old French Epicurien, from Latin Epicureus, from Ancient Greek Ἐπικούρειος (Epikoúreios, “Epicurean”), from Ἐπίκουρος (Epíkouros, “Epicurus”) + -ειος (-eios, “-ey: forming adjectives”).