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

While the goal, in light of the Heat’s middling status in the Eastern Conference after finishing in 10th place last season, has been to stay under the luxury tax in 2025-26, the Heat went into Monday with a variety of spending options on free agency. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025

With the help of Arizona Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, the students managed to get on a luxury cruise ship departing for Cyprus. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 June 2025

As a result, luxury brands poured hundreds of thousands into Vogue just to appear in the legendary September issue. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Blunt’s one-time assistant will now be an executive at a luxury brand conglomerate that advertises with Runway. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 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