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 of luxury

• 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

The rooms Quiet luxury is the name of the game at Amanyara and the resort consists of one-to-two bedroom pavilions and three-to-six bedroom villas, each surrounded by forest, with park or ocean views. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026

Madera has devoted his fortune to restoring historic estates and transforming them into intimate luxury retreats. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026

Prosecutors say Delgado lived the high life on other people’s money, misappropriating investors’ funds to buy million-dollar homes, luxury cars and fancy watches, among other items. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

In past years, a lot of the materials used onstage have evoked a sense of luxury, with golden hues and sparkling accents. —Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 14 Mar. 2026

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