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

This World Cup, the biggest yet with 48 nations competing, was always likely to be expensive, but the cost of attending its games has leapt to new heights. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025

Now, in time for the Peanuts’ 75th anniversary, Snoopy is a slow cooker and an expensive handbag. —Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025

Shop now for less expensive options Consumers should have some idea how much their insurance premiums will increase next year. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

Some of the most expensive projects seeking to relieve traffic — highway-widening projects — have been shown to be ineffective at reducing congestion. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 13 Dec. 2025

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