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

Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Swap out your old tote bag for this luxury leather version that’s on sale from Marc Jacobs. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Now’s the perfect time to stock up on on-trend luxury furniture and decor at Anthropologie. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Cashmere sweaters are a timeless symbol of luxury—lightweight, breathable, warm without being too heavy, and incredibly soft. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

Apple AirPods Max Headphones $549 $399 at Amazon For the ultimate luxury experience in over-the-ear headphones, look no further than the Apple AirPods Max. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 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