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amorous

adjective
am·​o·​rous | \ ˈa-mÉ™-rÉ™s How to pronounce amorous (audio) , ˈam-rÉ™s\

Definition of amorous

1 : strongly moved by love and especially sexual love amorous couples
2 : being in love : enamored —usually used with of amorous of the girl
3a : indicative of love received amorous glances from her partner
b : of or relating to love an amorous novel
Other Words from amorous Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about amorous

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Other Words from amorous

amorously adverb
amorousness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for amorous

Synonyms

amatory, aphrodisiac (also aphrodisiacal), erogenous, erotic (also erotical), erotogenic, sexy, steamy

Antonyms

nonerotic, unerotic, unsexy

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Did You Know?

A couple smooching on a park bench could be called amorous, or a young married couple who are always hugging and kissing. But the word is often used a bit sarcastically, as when a tabloid newspaper gets hold of some scandalous photos and calls the participants "the amorous pair". In such cases, we may be encouraged to think the attraction is more physical than emotional.

Examples of amorous in a Sentence

Vickers has now turned his formidable powers to "A Lover's Complaint". This 329-line amorous oration was published with the Sonnets in 1609, though it is probably little read even by those for whom the sonnets are a form of poetic oxygen. — Harold Love, Times Literary Supplement, 6 July 2007 The first commercial valentines were produced in the U.S. in 1834 by one Robert H. Elton, and the custom of sending greeting cards with amorous messages has persisted. — Phillip Lopate, Wigwag, February 1990 His amorous affairs he flaunted as if they were masterpieces, and he invited his marital partner to share in the esthetic experience. — John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 29 Mar. 1987 He has an amorous nature. male birds engage in amorous behavior—nest-building, singing, showing off their finery—in order to attract females
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Annie Abrams is a mysterious German secret agent, a Scottish farmer’s amorous young wife and a prim stranger on a train who is impervious to Hannay’s charm but becomes ensnared in his plight nonetheless. — Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, "Review: TheatreWorks delivers madcap comedy ’39 Steps’ with a sure hand," 26 Aug. 2019 Your special someone might have amorous plans for a very romantic evening. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for Aug. 22, 2019: Happy birthday Kristen Wiig; Leo, whip up something exciting," 22 Aug. 2019 Hikers at places like Daley Ranch, Ramona Grasslands, Mission Trails Regional Park or trails around local lakes may encounter dozens of the amorous arachnids just before dark between now and late September. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Milkweed offers great learning activity for kids," 10 Aug. 2019 Science has also provided a little comfort as to why your amorous advances are sometimes spurned. — Bill Sullivan, National Geographic, "Why we like what we like: A scientist’s surprising findings," 6 Aug. 2019 People still paint Mami Wata’s face, carve her tail from bronze and write music about her amorous power. — Washington Post, "#NotMyAriel? African mermaids existed long before Disney.," 10 July 2019 Five-year-olds invent imaginary friends, teenagers visualize what an amorous crush would be like, and adults plan for job achievements, buying a house or traveling the world. — Knvul Sheikh, Scientific American, "Creative Types Reserve a Special Corner of the Brain for Dreaming Big," 22 May 2019 South African artist Frances Goodman deconstructs the amorous traditions of the car back set with her Skin on Skin, whose title is spelled out in faux pearls across a car seat minus its stuffing. — Roger Catlin, Smithsonian, "Women’s Voices Ring With a Resounding Roar in This New Show," 16 July 2019 As a single woman who forges a pact with her college friend to attend their litany of summer weddings together, Erskine has a force of personality — and whip-crack comedic timing — that energizes this superior brand of amorous adventure. — Nick Schager, chicagotribune.com, "'Plus One' review: Maya Erskine, Jack Quaid star in story of how to make two lovers of friends," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amorous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of amorous

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for amorous

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin amorosus, from Latin amor love, from amare to love

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More Definitions for amorous

amorous

adjective
How to pronounce amorous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of amorous

: having or showing strong feelings of sexual attraction or love

See the full definition for amorous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on amorous

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with amorous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for amorous

Spanish Central: Translation of amorous

Nglish: Translation of amorous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of amorous for Arabic Speakers

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