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

Margarine, by contrast, was originally developed as a less expensive alternative to butter. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Today, the resort city consistently ranks as one of the most expensive in Southern California with a median home price of more than $3 million. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Peak seasons are often more expensive to travel and off-peak seasons are often less expensive and less crowded. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 24 June 2026

Teams such as the Nets and Bulls can add talent basically for free — and are incentivized to do so — while the expensive Wolves are trading a former All-Star to move down five picks in the draft. — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 24 June 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