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 city’s high-end developments — Ayla, Saraya and Tala Bay — provide contemporary architecture, sprawling marinas and resorts ideal for lifestyle, tourism or luxury brand projects. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

In response, leading luxury houses, under the aegis of the Fashion Pact, have launched the European Accelerator initiative. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

Global luxury auction firm Concierge Auctions is managing the sale in partnership with Compass agents Cara Pearlman and Han Peruzzi. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025

Unlike other retailers selling luxury, Mitchells won’t move to the concession model. —David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 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