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

In a recent episode, the hosts discuss merger arbitrage, affordable luxury handbags, and Warren Buffett, helping improve its ranking by 31 places. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Along with strengthening Macy's nameplate, the company's goals are accelerating luxury growth and simplifying and modernizing end-to-end operations. —Jonathan Limehouse, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024

Strangely, in the middle of ecological breakdown threatening the very basis of human life to thrive on this planet, superyachts or luxury tourism resorts are just not up for public debate. —Vijay Kolinjivadi, TIME, 14 Dec. 2024

Travelers can choose from luxury cruise itineraries across China, Barbados, and South Africa. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2024

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