expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv 
1
: involving high cost or sacrifice
an expensive hobby
2
a
: commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means
b
: characterized by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of expensive in a Sentence
The lights were expensive to install.
expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford
Recent Examples on the Web
Here is a look at what goods could be more expensive to buy after the tariffs go into effect:
More:Tariffs, inflation, and retailers: How Trump's potential tariffs could hit your wallet
What items from Canada could be impacted by Trump's tariffs?
—
Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Beyond that, it’s only used less than an ounce at a time, and there’s so much else going on here, this is not the time to use your expensive and rare wild agave mezcal.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025
Price structure: Harry & David's least expensive bouquet is $50, and its most expensive is $335 (a necklace included).
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 1 Feb. 2025
As mentioned, pine nuts, which are often rather expensive, aren’t mandatory either.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
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Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Beyond that, it’s only used less than an ounce at a time, and there’s so much else going on here, this is not the time to use your expensive and rare wild agave mezcal.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025
Price structure: Harry & David's least expensive bouquet is $50, and its most expensive is $335 (a necklace included).
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 1 Feb. 2025
As mentioned, pine nuts, which are often rather expensive, aren’t mandatory either.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expensive
Dictionary Entries Near expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv
1
: costly sense 2
an expensive hobby
2
a
: having a high price
expensive gifts
b
: marked by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
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