luxury

noun

lux·​u·​ry ˈlək-sh(ə-)rē  -zh(ə-)rē 

plural luxuries

1

: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment

lived in luxury

2

a

: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

one of life's luxuries

b

: an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

had the luxury of rejecting a handful of job offers

—Terri Minsky

3

archaic : lechery, lust

luxury adjective

Synonyms

• amenity
• comfort
• extra
• frill
• indulgence
• superfluity

Examples of luxury in a Sentence

He spent a fortune on expensive wines and other luxuries.

Right now a new car is a luxury that I can't afford.

On my salary, I can afford few luxuries.

We were lucky to have the luxury of choosing from among several good options.

We can't afford the luxury of waiting any longer.

Recent Examples on the Web

General Motors plans to go racing in Formula 1 in 2026 with its Cadillac luxury brand, something that had been in the works for a while as part of a tie-up with Mario Andretti. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2025

The streetwear industry has experienced changes over the last few years, as luxury brands have shifted away from the market and the streetwear customer has matured and sought out more elevated offerings. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 13 Jan. 2025

In exchange for bribes, Menendez interfered with a federal criminal case against a co-defendant, as well as a state investigation into another man who pleaded guilty to handing over a luxury car to win the senator’s support. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

Analysts upgraded the luxury home furnishings provider to a buy-equivalent rating from hold, arguing that its operating leverage is underappreciated and a recovery in demand is still early innings. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English luxurie, from Anglo-French luxorie, from Latin luxuria rankness, luxury, excess; akin to Latin luxus luxury, excess

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing luxury

• in the lap of luxury
• luxury box
• the lap of luxury

Kids Definition

luxury

noun

lux·​u·​ry ˈləksh-(ə-)rē  ˈləgzh- 

plural luxuries

1

a

: free use or possession of costly food, dress, or anything that pleases a person

b

: great ease or comfort : rich surroundings

live in luxury

2

a

: something desirable but costly or hard to get

b

: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

luxury adjective