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
• comfort
• extra
• frill
• indulgence
• superfluity

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

This growth reflects an evolving preference for luxury homes that merge private ownership with the services, high-end amenities and effortless lifestyle of exclusive hospitality. —Monica Cuervo, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Some luxury items may need to be sent to Vestiaire Collective for authentication before reaching the customer, which can slow down the process. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 1 May 2025

Kam Zinsser, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Senter Realtors, describes luxury flooring options as costly and unnecessary. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025

With the new launch comes two key hires, including founder of luxury brand consultancy BSBP Bethani Stainfield-Bruce, who joins as senior vice president, brand partnerships and talent relations, and will be based out of DDA’s London office. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 May 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