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
State and federal taxes, seasonal demand and even more expensive fuel blends needed for warmer weather are all pieces of the pie.
—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Republican Congress’ solution is to spend twice as much money on expensive ultra-tech munitions in the next budget.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In fact, productions are increasingly using AI or fake babies, which are easier to manage and less expensive.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 May 2026
In addition to cutting down the fees associated with lawn-maintenance equipment, fertilizers, and herbicides, buying clover seed is often less expensive than grass.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expensive
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Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The Republican Congress’ solution is to spend twice as much money on expensive ultra-tech munitions in the next budget.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In fact, productions are increasingly using AI or fake babies, which are easier to manage and less expensive.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 May 2026
In addition to cutting down the fees associated with lawn-maintenance equipment, fertilizers, and herbicides, buying clover seed is often less expensive than grass.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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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