1Having a great deal of money or assets; wealthy.

1. 1.1 (of a country or region) having valuable natural resources or a successful economy.
   rich countries can afford to spend money on the environment

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Can a rich country like Australia afford to do even more than that?
   • When you compare the UK, America and other rich countries to the Third World where so many people are starving, it's absolutely shocking.
   • The implication is that protecting manufacturing industries accounts for the success of rich countries.
   • But the overall level of assistance from rich countries has dropped to an unacceptably low level, she said.
   • They are now concerned with the lack of free trade caused by rich countries' protectionism.
   • America is all about production, striving to stay the most powerful and rich country in the world.
   • It is a myth that efficient regulation, which protects those it should protect without distorting the economy, is a luxury that only rich countries can afford.
   • As World War II began, after a decade of economic depression, the United States was not a rich country.
   • Italy, by contrast, traded very successfully with Ottoman Turkey, got fabulously rich, and remained Catholic.
   • Developing countries think these procedures are abused by rich countries to keep out their goods.
   • Add to this the fact that rich countries can afford medicine, while poor countries cannot.
   • How much do subsidies and trade barriers in the rich countries really cost the developing world?
   • Most of the money went to the structural funds which are spent on declining regions in rich countries as well as poor areas in poor countries.
   • Despite this, the least developed countries still depend on trade for more of their income than rich countries.
   • That policy has met with some success in the United States and other rich countries.
   • Ecuador is a rich country - it has great natural resources such as oil as well as very productive agriculture.
   • The G8 summit at Gleneagles next week will discuss the likely impact of high oil prices on the global economy and what the rich countries of the west ought to do in response.
   • It was a philosophy designed to make a poor, agrarian economy into an affluent one, with rich regions extending helping hands to hard up ones.
   • To the extent that the rich countries have bigger economies and more export trade, there is some truth in this claim.
   • He also urged people to remember that the country was very rich as it was endowed with enormous natural resources which remained unexploited.

   Synonyms

   successful, buoyant, booming, doing well, profit-making, profitable, prosperous, wealthy, affluent, moneyed, well-to-do, large
2. 1.2 Of expensive materials or workmanship; demonstrating wealth.
   rich mahogany furniture

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Fabrics offer luxurious style in rich velvets, sheer chiffon, shiny satin and slinky jerseys.
   • She uses the rich fabric of silk and the fur because she wanted to talk about the desire these objects arouse.
   • The narrower the layer of individuals enjoying success and the greater their wealth, the less rich the material and the less enduring the art.
   • In Siena artists responded to the Florentine preoccupation with space, yet retained a traditional interest in rich decoration.
   • Here, as in other places, Kent's elegant furniture and rich decoration anticipated the interiors of Robert Adam.
   • She walked into to the beautifully decorated dining room and sat down at the rich, mahogany dining table.
   • Sage opened the door to see a fancy room with a fair sized bed, everything in the room looked rich and expensive as well.
   • His office is dominated by a rich mahogany antique desk, piled high with the books he has written and behind which spreads an oasis of orchids and exotic greenery.
   • Her rose-dyed bodice and soft red overcoat were made of rich fabrics, possibly velvet from the east.
   • My bed was a king-sized canopy that was laced with rich velvet and satin fabric, imported from Italy.
   • Framed in giltwood, the panels are worked in rich wools highlighted with silks.
   • She had on a rich rose colored gown with embroidered leaves all over it.
   • The interior is trimmed in a rich palette of materials to complement the exterior selections.
   • She wore a mauve gown of rich velvet, with gold tulips sewn intricately on the bodice.
   • A pricy looking sash was tied around his hips, its rich material seeming bold even in the dim lighting of the apartment.
   • Unlike the main hall, Quinn's office was made out of rich, dark mahogany.
   • Classic furniture also has rich carvings and ornaments, and many pieces use eye-catching colors such as gold and silver.
   • The recessed, double-door central cupboard is embellished with rich flame mahogany veneer.
   • It was a long sleeved purple dress, made of a rich heavy material.
   • All was silent in the courtroom, recently redone in rich mahogany, as they waited for the judge to give his final verdict.

   Synonyms

   sumptuous, opulent, luxurious, luxury, deluxe, palatial, lavish, lavishly appointed, gorgeous, splendid, magnificent, resplendent, lush, plush, costly, expensive, upmarket, fancy, stylish, elegant, exquisite, grandiose

   informal posh, ritzy, swanky, plushy, classy, glitzy

   British informal swish

   North American informal swank

   rare palatian, Lucullan
3. 1.3 Generating wealth; valuable.
   not all footballers enjoy rich rewards from the game

   Example sentencesExamples

   • For those willing to risk trying out a new technology, the rewards can be rich.
   • The long journey North played havoc with the travelling Blues support, but there was rich reward for the faithful fans who travelled.
   • But for the intrepid, there are rich, lasting rewards to be reaped.
   • Investors who think they can have their guarantee and reap rich rewards, too, may be setting themselves up for disappointment.
   • Thatcher and her allies risked everything and reaped a rich reward.
   • The results support the idea that the rich mineral content of the area prompted the establishment of the Celtic mining town.
   • The firm reaped rich publicity after rewarding its staff with skiing holidays.
   • The chance to reap rich rewards is attracting new entrants into the business.
   • It was an expensive area to mine, but the rich ore made it worthwhile.
   • Today we are reaping the rewards of our rich heritage through the tourism trade.
   • Golf can bring a man rich rewards, but it also possesses a distinctive cruelty.
   • To emphasise the lack of incident, City didn't carve out an effort on goal until more than 30 minutes had passed but at least when they did it brought rich reward.
   • Everybody wants a part of their rich deposits of Siilv metal, the most valuable resource in the known galaxy.
   • They've learned that in the stealthy world of computer hacking, staying on your toes and a step ahead of hackers can pay rich rewards.
   • This rich financial reward comes at a price - you must learn to live in the public eye.
   • The cabinet system at local level brings rich rewards for councillors in Bexley's cabinet.
   • Armenia is a rugged, volcanic country with rich mineral resources.
   • There are very rich rewards to be reaped from off-court promotions as well as on-court victories.
   • Altogether this is a rich and rewarding new vein of scholarship in the history of American crime and culture.
   • While these crisis shares could provide rich pickings, those tempted require strong stomachs.

2Existing in plentiful quantities; abundant.

1. 2.1 Having (a particular thing) in large amounts.
   many vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins

   in combination a protein-rich diet

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Foods rich in vitamin A include leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli, as well as carrots and peaches.
   • Similarly with the actors, we have got a lot of people who are time rich and asset poor.
   • They're also rich in antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation in the skin.
   • Soils which are rich in nutrients are often termed fertile, but such soils do not usually produce good-quality wine.
   • Among nuts, walnuts are very rich in omega - 3 fatty acids.
   • Of course it is also possible to be asset rich but cash poor.
   • Bolivia is a country rich in resources, yet its majority Indian population is mired in unemployment and abject poverty.
   • Pasteur sterilized two containers, both of which contained a broth rich in nutrients.
   • Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can help scavenge free radicals generated by stress.
   • Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also helpful.
   • Garden centers offer small packages of good soil which is rich in humus.
   • No, the advantages of taking cocoa can be attained by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
   • He recognizes our region as rich in natural resources, and felt a calling to defend them.
   • From the beginning I emphasised to Donald that I was asset rich and cash poor.
   • They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and essential fatty acids.
   • Among natural foods rich in calcium, dairy milk is second only to maternal milk.
   • In fact it is hard to tell that the Dutch Truffle Gateau is not as calorie rich as it tastes.
   • On the bright side, clay soils are usually richer in nutrients than sandy soils are.
   • Corn oil is a polyunsaturated vegetable oil rich in omega - 6 fatty acids.
   • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products.

   Synonyms

   abounding in, well provided with, well supplied with, well stocked with, replete with, abundant in, rife with, crammed with, crowded with, packed with, jammed with, stuffed with, teeming with, swarming with, overflowing with, bursting with, brimful with, brimming with, loaded with, overloaded with, thick with, solid with

   informal jam-packed with, chock-a-block with, chock-full of

   Australian/New Zealand informal chocker with
2. 2.2 (of food) containing a large amount of fat, spices, sugar, etc.
   dishes with wonderfully rich sauces

   Example sentencesExamples

   • To control calories pay close attention to what goes on the bread or pasta such as butter, margarine and rich cream sauces.
   • The soldiers gave them chocolates and bananas, but their emaciated bodies were too weak from malnutrition to tolerate such rich food.
   • This is rich food, with spicing the owners say is unique to their restaurant.
   • This struck the right balance, with plenty of crispy skin and a simple stuffing, which acted as a sensible foil to the rich meat and sauce.
   • Christmas, she rightly points out, is a time when all of us indulge in far too much rich food - a sure-fire recipe for indigestion.
   • The selection of deserts are definitely of the rich and warm variety.
   • There's smooth and rich Caribbean creme brûlée, creme caramel, frozen coconut mousse and warm apple crepes.
   • The rich pate was topped with clarified butter, and the simple addition of sweetly pickled cucumber cut through its richness.
   • Until the 90s, fashionable restaurants offered French cuisine, which meant rich sauces.
   • Even on 160 acres the fish ended up moving to within a few yards of the margins, driven onto the lee shore by the strong wind that stirred up the bottom into a rich soup of natural food.
   • It bristled with raw jalapeño, cut slightly by the rich cream sauce.
   • When I talk about cheesecake I am talking about the true, baked variety, gloriously rich and creamy.
   • The clocks may have gone back an hour and darkness may be falling at 5pm, but the good news is that this is the best time of year for lovers of warm, rich foods.
   • The sauce was rich and delicately spiced, with a hint of turmeric and a sprinkling of fresh coriander.
   • He saw huge tables laden with rich food of every kind.
   • My friend really loved it, though it was a little too rich for my tastes.
   • A luscious mocha sauce, the rich chocolate base, and a generous topping of crisp roasted almonds will make you long for more.
   • Generally speaking, I prefer brown to white sugars in dense, rich fruit cake like this.
   • The Swedes, heavily influenced by the French, use rich sauces in their food.
   • It presents a hierarchy of food types, with those at the base making up the foundation of a healthy diet and those at the top representing rich foods to be eaten sparingly.

   Synonyms

   creamy, fatty, buttery, heavy, full-flavoured
3. 2.3 (of drink) full-bodied.
   a rich and hoppy best bitter

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The richness of duck needs a rich wine (red or white) with full flavor.
   • This one has intense raspberry and blackberry fruit with a full, rich finish.
   • They like to blend it with Semillion to make a leaner, less rich wine.
   • I much enjoyed this rich, crimson-purple wine with plenty of inky, earthy, charcuterie-suitable fruit.
   • The 2003 version has settled and is a rich, full-bodied table wine.
   • It is a dense, almost black, rich wine of amazing power.
   • As bowls of rich green tea arrived, Toshiaya stood up to dance.
   • That, in conjunction with the night's dinner and the rather rich coffee, caused the expected nausea, which hit me in force as we exited the coffee shop.
   • To neutralize the aftertaste of balut, the festival has halo-halo, a traditional, rich drink suitable for any occasion.
   • They are rich with just a hint of the pungent flavor of Gorgonzola - another good match with the wine.
   • The wine is very rich, but the acidity saves it from being cloying.
   • The intense colour and elegant bouquet give way to a rich, full-bodied wine with ripe fruit and polished tannins.
   • Already his hands have begun to shake at the thought of the rich drink, the burning alcohol.
   • It has a delicious nose of spice and vanilla with a glob of honey, and a deliciously rich and smooth finish.
   • Very full and rich and dry with beefy tannins, this wine is of the type to drink with food only.
   • Complex too, the wine is rich with plums, brambles, raspberry, nice touches of vanilla oak and mouth-filling tannins.
   • It is luxuriously rich and fruity, the aftertaste reminiscent of pear drops.
   • Flashy, expensive oak is evident in this sweet, rich wine.
   • J.W. Lees Harvest Ale has a vinous character; it's sweet, rich, and high in alcohol.
   • I enjoyed its rich, ripe, heavy oaky fruit with that classic touch of oaky austerity on the finish that Bordeaux is renowned for.

   Synonyms

   full-bodied, heavy, luscious, robust, opulent, big, fruity, fat
4. 2.4 (of the fuel and air mixture in an internal combustion engine) containing a high proportion of fuel.
   crank the engine until it fires and return the mixture to ‘rich’

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I put my fuel mixture on rich, prop on full climb, and slowly released my brakes.
   • A black dry fluffy colored plug is caused by excessive idling of the bike or by deposits from a carburetor rich with too much gas.

3Producing a large quantity of something.

1. 3.1 (of land) having the properties necessary to produce fertile growth.
   the city is surrounded by rich agricultural land

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Basalt thus produces heavy clay soils, many of which are abundant in nutrients and provide rich agricultural land.
   • Before long teams were ploughing the rich lands of Yorkshire.
   • Kurdish leaders believe they need the oil fields and the rich agricultural land nearby to keep the region economically independent.
   • The land was no longer rich and green but desolate and parched, gaping with hard, dusty cracks splitting deep into the earth.
   • This had once been rich farming land, the most fertile in Lanzarote.
   • Compared to bleak, blank land of the Oni Kai this was lush rich land.
   • Cultivation of land now became important, and when a rich stretch of land was found the people now remained there and created a home.
   • I am puzzled by one thing though; the land here is rich and fertile, and the remains of many buildings still stand.
   • The town itself expanded through the intensive exploitation of the rich agricultural land along the North African coast.
   • The decision to leave his native Pennsylvania for the rich farming land of the Oregon Territory was not made lightly.
   • The land was rich and fertile, the town, clean and tastefully built.
   • This rerouting of the river caused desertification of the agriculturally rich delta lands in Mexico.
   • Rath National school is a three teacher school situated amidst rich agricultural land 11 miles from Portlaoise.
   • It was surrounded by rich agricultural land, while the river Wensum gave opportunities for trade with Europe.
   • The land here is rich and green, but for the most part from the river all that can be seen are the giant papyrus reeds, which line the bank.
   • That's why I look at the rich agricultural land in Aberdeenshire and ask what can be done to make it generate more income and more jobs.
   • Physiographic provinces range from the High Tatras in the north to the rich agricultural lands of the plains and the Danube Basin to the south.
   • When soil is depleted, tree farms move to new locations, displacing food crops from rich agricultural land.
   • It's been hard on the economy because the amount of food produced from those rich agricultural lands has decreased.
   • Very little gold was found but more important was the fact that rich pastoral country was discovered.

   Synonyms

   fertile, productive, fecund, fruitful, lush, arable
2. 3.2 (of a mine or mineral deposit) yielding a large quantity of precious metal.
   one of the richest phosphate mines in the West

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Despite its rich ore deposits, the Groverake is not known as a major specimen-producing mine.
   • This was followed closely by new demand for air transport to serve exploration teams seeking to exploit the country's rich deposits of iron ore.
   • Petauke is home to the old Sassali Gold Mine and the Nchindeni Hills are believed to hold very rich deposits of copper and amethyst.
   • A class of gentlemen farmers was emerging in Chile, some of whom had made their fortunes as a result of Chile's rich mineral deposits.
   • Two years earlier, the rich Witwatersrand gold deposits had been discovered in the Transvaal.
   • Despite its rich mineral resources, Angola is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
   • There are rich mineral deposits and huge timber reserves, but these are largely unexploited, and lack of foreign exchange has led to food shortages.
   • At the moment, there is a lot of interest in the mining industry about the potential of discovering rich mineral deposits in the area.
   • He was always elusive about the source of the gold, although he indicated that he had a rich mine.
   • This was an extremely rich cliff-edge mine that was worked for a few years in the 1840s, and I was able to use the cobble to show why the mine was abandoned.
   • Japan, for example, has no natural resources: no oil, no diamonds, no other rich mineral deposits.
   • Despite rich mineral deposits and fertile soils, the state remains by far the poorest in South Asia.
   • Roughly 25 percent of the land is off-limits because of the rich alluvial diamond deposits.
   • In 1570, the Spanish decreed that the natives would be forced to work in the rich silver mines on the altiplano.
   • Surface gold gave way to rich reef mines, especially at Kalgoorlie.
   • Completion of the Tonopah and Tidewater Rail Road allowed him to open the rich Lila C. Mine near Death Valley.
   • Insizwa is reported to have very rich nickel deposits.
   • There is also mention of the country's rich mineral deposits.
   • The diamond mines of Golconda were legendary, but gradually rich deposits were discovered in many other countries.
   • Some Guajiros have found work in coal mines, since Colombia has rich coal deposits in the region.

4(of a colour, sound, smell, etc.) pleasantly deep or strong.

5Interesting because full of variety.

6informal (of a remark) causing ironic amusement or indignation.