How to Use "Gluttony" in a Sentence

"Gluttony" refers to excessive eating or drinking, or more broadly, overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. It's one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition and appears frequently in literature, moral discussions, and everyday conversation. Here's how to use it correctly.

What Does "Gluttony" Mean?

Gluttony is the habit or act of consuming far more than you need. While it most commonly refers to food and drink, it can extend to any kind of excess. The word comes from the Latin gluttire, meaning "to gulp down" or "to swallow."

In modern usage, "gluttony" carries a strongly negative connotation. Calling something gluttony implies waste, lack of self-control, or moral failure.

Example Sentences

Referring to food and drink:

The Thanksgiving spread was generous, but eating four plates of it crossed into gluttony.
Medieval writers frequently warned against gluttony as a path to spiritual ruin.
The restaurant's all-you-can-eat challenge practically encourages gluttony.

In religious or moral contexts:

Gluttony is listed among the seven deadly sins alongside greed, pride, and sloth.
The sermon focused on gluttony as a failure of gratitude rather than just a physical excess.
Dante placed gluttons in the third circle of Hell in The Inferno.

Extended or figurative use:

The corporation's gluttony for natural resources left entire ecosystems damaged.
Critics accused the film industry of gluttony, producing sequel after sequel with no original ideas.
His gluttony for attention made every conversation about himself.

In historical or literary discussion:

Roman banquets have become a symbol of gluttony in Western cultural memory.
The character of Falstaff in Shakespeare's plays embodies both wit and gluttony.
Puritan communities viewed gluttony as a sign of weak character.

Related Words

Glutton (noun): A person who eats or consumes excessively. "He's a glutton for punishment."
Gluttonous (adjective): Characterized by gluttony. "The gluttonous feast lasted three hours."
Gluttonously (adverb): In a gluttonous manner. "They ate gluttonously until nothing remained."

Usage Tips

"Gluttony" is an uncountable noun. You wouldn't say "a gluttony" or "gluttonies." Instead, say "an act of gluttony" or "a display of gluttony."
The word works well in both literal and figurative contexts. Overconsuming information, power, or resources can all be described as gluttony.
Because the word carries moral judgment, use it intentionally. If you just mean someone ate a lot without implying anything negative, "indulgence" is softer.
The phrase "glutton for punishment" is an idiom meaning someone who keeps taking on unpleasant tasks. It doesn't literally relate to food.

Quick Summary

"Gluttony" means excessive consumption, especially of food or drink. It carries a negative, morally loaded tone. Use it when you want to emphasize that someone or something has gone well past the point of need into wasteful or harmful excess.

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