expensive

1 of 2

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

expensiveness

2 of 2

noun

ex·​pen·​sive·​ness

-sivnə̇s, 

-sēv- also -səv-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being expensive

Synonyms of expensive

Adjective

• costly
• valuable
• premium
• precious
• extravagant

Examples of expensive in a Sentence

Adjective

The lights were expensive to install.

expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The district said the measure would help schools address students’ needs earlier, before those needs call for more intensive and expensive assistance. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The often-sleepy general election campaign was a sharp contrast to the bruising, expensive Democratic primary that preceded it in March. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

But this year's contest ended up being the most expensive in Kansas history, with Hamilton breaking multiple fundraising records. — Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

The Senate election was the most expensive non-presidential race on record in advertisement spending, according to AdImpact, which tracks ad buys. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

expense entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

Adjective

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