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

• costly
• valuable
• premium
• precious
• extravagant

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

There’s no telling how expensive the wardrobe budget is on the film, but this lookalike style is just $30 right now. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

The trick to making any outfit look expensive? —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

Unlike throw pillows or artwork, big-ticket trends like tile, cabinetry, and custom features are expensive and time-consuming to change. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

Get Rid Of Carpet Stains Rather than expensive carpet cleaners, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat stains on white or light-colored carpets. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expensive

• defensive
• extensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids 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