expensive

adjective

ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Booking travel is expensive these days, from the cost of trains or planes to paying for your luggage, lodgings and more. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 Indeed, despite the trillions of federal dollars that were committed or spent to boost local economies, voters blamed Biden and Harris for high inflation that raised the cost living as food, housing, healthcare and other necessities got more expensive. Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 And what was considered expensive has drastically changed over the last 10 years. Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 Get ready for your kids’ lunches to get more expensive too. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expensive was circa 1610

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

expensive

adjective
ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on expensive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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