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.
There are also individuals who either stop using credit cards or avoid them altogether because of high interest rates or fees, which can make carrying a balance expensive. Rick Watkin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Many products were expensive, hard to use, and failed to deliver on their promises. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Would most people be willing to buy an expensive BTF Edition graphics card that can't be installed on anything but another BTF board later on? John Burek, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025 Topical daytime shows are expensive to make and do not have the online shelf-life of big-ticket dramas and documentaries, meaning they are being scaled back as media companies switch strategy. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 May 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

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Cite this Entry

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