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

Some of the most expensive homes in the country are consistently those located in dense, vibrant prewar cities, a clear signal that there’s high demand for those amenities. —Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025

Remember that sitting still isn’t the most expensive move. —Chad Willardson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas. —Miami Herald, 7 July 2025

Million-dollar homes across Wisconsin One of the most expensive June home sales was in Delafield − for $2,050,000. —Dakota Barnes-Rush, jsonline.com, 7 July 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