rich / rich/ • adj. 1. having a great deal of money or assets; wealthy: most of these artists are already quite rich | [as pl. n.] (the rich) every day the gap between the rich and the poor widens. ∎  (of a country or region) having valuable natural resources or a successful economy. ∎  of expensive materials or workmanship; demonstrating wealth: rich mahogany furniture. ∎  generating wealth; valuable: not all football players enjoy rich rewards from the game. 2. plentiful; abundant: China's rich and diverse mammalian fauna. ∎  having (a particular thing) in large amounts: many vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidant vitamins | [in comb.] a protein-rich diet. ∎  (of food) containing a large amount of fat, spices, sugar, etc.: dishes with wonderfully rich sauces. ∎  (of drink) full-bodied: a rich, hoppy beer. ∎  (of the mixture in an internal combustion engine) containing a high proportion of fuel. ∎  (of a color or sound) pleasantly deep and strong: his rich bass voice. ∎  (of a smell or taste) pleasantly smooth and mellow: Basmati rice has a rich aroma. ∎ fig. interesting because full of diversity or complexity: what a full, rich life you lead! 3. producing a large quantity of something: novels have always been a rich source of material for the film industry. ∎  (of soil or a piece of land) having the properties necessary to produce fertile growth. ∎  (of a mine or mineral deposit) yielding a large quantity or proportion of precious metal. 4. inf. (of a remark) causing ironic amusement or indignation: these comments are a bit rich coming from a woman with no money worries.DERIVATIVES: rich·ness n.