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

Not the feet touching in expensive sneakers and boat shoes! —Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025

As a result, cycloramas were expensive to create and complicated to set up and take down. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025

This fatty, marbled beef is a bit more expensive than regular ground beef, so many cooks only purchase it for special occasions, then take great care when roasting it. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025

Starting at just $44,476, this house is perfect for my budget because teenagers are expensive! —Sarah Scott, Parents, 26 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