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

License plate readers weren’t new, but Langley’s version was cheaper, easier to deploy, and didn’t require expensive infrastructure. —Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

Before the war began, the leading militaries focused on larger, expensive, medium to long-range models. —Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025

Reviewers also note how intuitive and fast it is compared with more expensive options. —PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025

Derrick Henry v Cleveland is the most expensive running back at $8200 while Chase v Jacksonville is the most expensive wide receiver coming at $8100. —Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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