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

Hardly had the ink dried on President Donald Trump’s inaugural speech then the Albanian government approved a massive $1.4 billion island luxury development project linked to Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Reuters reports. —Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2025

The quiet luxury aesthetic requires a bit more effort than its name suggests: This trend in decor—particularly with paint colors—is all about giving off subtle sophistication. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025

Historically speaking, trunk shows have always been moments to introduce luxury treasures to fresh eyes, as traveling designers took their wares on the road. —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 24 Jan. 2025

But the Warriors’ struggles aren’t to be blamed on the new luxury tax rules—the Dubs had ample opportunity before and after the changes to make fundamental roster shifts. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 24 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