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

Authorities warned that jewelry, electronics and other expensive items can make sellers attractive targets for criminals. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s most expensive and sophisticated arsenals, filled with American warplanes, missile defenses and other cutting-edge technology. — NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

Built from fiberglass that is expensive to break down, these components can end up in landfills even though much of the rest of a turbine is recyclable. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Fortunately, strengthening defenses against these increasingly sophisticated threats doesn’t necessarily require expensive technology or a dedicated cybersecurity team. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 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