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 of expensive

• 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

Marlins beat Dodgers, shut down expensive LA offense This series seemed to line up perfectly for the Dodgers. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Driving is becoming more expensive for Americans. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

But wellness is expensive — and self-care shouldn’t break the bank. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

When petrochemicals become more expensive, it is often accompanied by a spike in clothing prices. —Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

expense entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1617, 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