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

The legendary talk show host, who has been living in a luxury dementia facility for over two years, opened up in a The Cut cover story on the complex fight surrounding her guardianship. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

After her divorce, the star is building a legacy beyond reality TV with a new foundation, luxury restaurant, and a law degree in the works. —Essence, 6 Oct. 2025

Per the same report, Le Labo and Kilian drove midsingle-digit increases in its luxury portfolio, while Tom Ford fragrances saw retail sales decelerate in North America. —James Manso, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025

At the same time, a handful of other more permanent retail stores welcomed guests into their doors for the first time, including a men's streetwear shop in Noblesville and a luxury women's designer store in Carmel. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 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