luxury

[luhk-shuh-ree, luhg-zhuh-]

noun

plural

luxuries 

1. a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.

   Gold cufflinks were a luxury not allowed for in his budget.

2. free or habitual indulgence in or enjoyment of comforts and pleasures in addition to those necessary for a reasonable standard of well-being.

   a life of luxury on the French Riviera.

3. a means of ministering to such indulgence or enjoyment.

   This travel plan gives you the luxury of choosing which countries you can visit.

4. a pleasure out of the ordinary allowed to oneself.

   the luxury of an extra piece of the cake.

5. a foolish or worthless form of self-indulgence.

   the luxury of self-pity.

6. Archaic.,  lust; lasciviousness; lechery.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affording luxury.

   a luxury hotel.

luxury

/ ˈlʌkʃərɪ /

noun

1. indulgence in and enjoyment of rich, comfortable, and sumptuous living

2. (sometimes plural) something that is considered an indulgence rather than a necessity

3. something pleasant and satisfying

   the luxury of independence

4. (modifier) relating to, indicating, or supplying luxury

   a luxury liner

Other Word Forms

• semiluxury noun
• superluxury noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of luxury¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English luxurie, from Latin luxuria “rankness, luxuriance,” equivalent to luxur- (combining form of luxus “extravagance”) + -ia noun suffix; -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of luxury¹

C14 (in the sense: lechery): via Old French from Latin luxuria excess, from luxus extravagance

Idioms and Phrases

see lap of luxury.

Example Sentences

Struggling West Ham may have had an extended period to prepare for this game, but Newcastle have the luxury of a deep squad.

Read more on BBC

If time is the most precious of resources, then consider every item on this list a luxury gift.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Check out our gifts with a luxury feel for under $40, for example, or our list of ideas for giving your time instead of presents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

China has muscled into industries from fine wines to designer handbags to luxury watches.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Including their expected luxury tax bill this winter, Dodgers owner Mark Walter—fresh off his purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers—and his partners will pay roughly a half-billion dollars.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• affluence 
• comfort 
• enjoyment 
• extravagance 
• leisure 
• opulence 
• richness www.thesaurus.com