expensive

adjective

ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Sharks are part of his portfolio and a new arena surrounded by an entertainment district might be the goal, but the team is not just an investment for him or an expensive bauble. Eric Stephens, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 The 36-year-old explained that her in-laws returned from a European trip and surprised her with an expensive designer bag at a recent family dinner. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 For stocks to look less expensive, either their prices need to fall, or companies’ profits need to rise. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025 But almost from its start, industry has targeted the program, whose assessments can trigger toxic waste cleanups and expensive regulatory changes. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expensive was circa 1610

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expensive

adjective
ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on expensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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