luxury

noun

lux·​u·​ry ˈlək-sh(ə-)rē  -zh(ə-)rē 

plural luxuries

1

: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment

lived in luxury

2

a

: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

one of life's luxuries

b

: an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

had the luxury of rejecting a handful of job offers

—Terri Minsky

3

archaic : lechery, lust

luxury adjective

Synonyms

• amenity
• indulgence
• comfort

Examples of luxury in a Sentence

He spent a fortune on expensive wines and other luxuries.

Right now a new car is a luxury that I can't afford.

On my salary, I can afford few luxuries.

We were lucky to have the luxury of choosing from among several good options.

We can't afford the luxury of waiting any longer.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most remote parts of the world where the sun never sets can now be experienced in luxury. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

Rising demand for lakefront property combined with high construction costs have pushed up luxury housing prices, said Jim Treis, the real estate agent who brokered the Nashotah sale. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

These emerging movements, driven largely by youth culture, reflect a stark departure from the dominant quiet luxury and size inclusive mindsets of just a few years ago. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025

This ongoing process of refinement and steadfast commitment to what works has positioned the company to weather the current headwinds facing the luxury industry. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English luxurie, from Anglo-French luxorie, from Latin luxuria rankness, luxury, excess; akin to Latin luxus luxury, excess

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing luxury

• in the lap of luxury
• luxury box
• the lap of luxury

Kids Definition

luxury

noun

lux·​u·​ry ˈləksh-(ə-)rē  ˈləgzh- 

plural luxuries

1

a

: free use or possession of costly food, dress, or anything that pleases a person

b

: great ease or comfort : rich surroundings

live in luxury

2

a

: something desirable but costly or hard to get

b

: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

luxury adjective