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

In the mayoral race, City Councilmember Martínez Beltrán challenged Turner, with the pair often publicly at odds on issues ranging from peace resolutions in the Israel-Gaza war to tax deals for a luxury hotel. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Italian luxury brand Ferrari reported third-quarter financial results Tuesday that disclosed revenue of €1.64 billion ($1.79 billion based on exchange rates), a 7% increase over the prior year. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2024

The two-for-one approach makes sense at a time when luxury brands are tightening their belts in response to a sharp slowdown in demand. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

Sandra MacGregor is a Canadian writer specializing in luxury travel, airlines, culinary experiences and eco-tourism. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

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