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 of expensive

• 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

Many tunnels are faster, safer and much more expensive for migrants who would otherwise face increasingly dangerous mountain and desert routes, experts said. — Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

This device is undeniably the most capable iPhone ever, as well as the most expensive. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Part memoir, part how-to guide for heated political conversations, it’s perfectly timed for what could be one of the most expensive and most polarized midterm elections in modern history. — Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Another message might say someone placed an expensive order using your account. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

expense entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1617, 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