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
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
The prices vary by area, but the general price range is between $24 and $45, with the Mariner's Boil being more expensive.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
An absolutely massive ranch just an hour from Salt Lake City could become one of the most expensive properties ever sold in Utah.
Sheep Creek Canyon Ranch in Morgan County, all 7,000-plus acres of it, has just hit the market for an incredible $72.5 million.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Conversely, the league’s second-most expensive team in terms of salary, Toronto FC ($34,146,193) is second-worst in the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the league in terms of points (just 13 in 17 games).
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
Because kids don’t always need an expensive class or activity in order to learn valuable life skills.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
An absolutely massive ranch just an hour from Salt Lake City could become one of the most expensive properties ever sold in Utah.
Sheep Creek Canyon Ranch in Morgan County, all 7,000-plus acres of it, has just hit the market for an incredible $72.5 million.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Conversely, the league’s second-most expensive team in terms of salary, Toronto FC ($34,146,193) is second-worst in the Eastern Conference and third-worst in the league in terms of points (just 13 in 17 games).
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 25 June 2025
Because kids don’t always need an expensive class or activity in order to learn valuable life skills.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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