pricey
Americanadjective
-
pricier,
comparative
-
priciest
superlative
adjective
Usage
What does pricey mean? Pricey describes something that is expensive or unreasonably expensive, as in Talya wanted to go on the world cruise, but the tickets were so pricey. Pricey is a highly subjective description, because everyone’s budget is different and everyone’s opinion about what an acceptable price is for a product or service varies. You’ll use pricey most often when you think the cost of something is much higher than you want to pay, whether or not a majority of people think that same item is pricey. You might also use pricey to describe something that is more expensive than others like it but that provides a higher value or quality in return. In this case, pricey would be an acceptable quality. Example: The hotel was a bit pricey, but we had a good time.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of pricey
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
She admits it can be pricey but says she doesn't mind spending a little more as an occasional treat.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
At least nine companies sell pricey pesticide treatments or natural oil sprays for the backyard that are supposed to repel deer, or ticks, sparking an angry debate over whether they also endanger pets and pollinators.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026
A return to industrial musicals in the age of A.I. didn’t strike me as a solution for all the woes afflicting the performing arts, from pricey tickets to the increasingly blatant corporatization of the arts.
From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2026
Running revenue has grown by double digits for six consecutive quarters, boosted by releases such as Pegasus Premium—a pricey, stylish running shoe—and the company’s engagement with local running groups.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Yes, it's pricey, but these people, they're made of money.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
The less expensive model failed after running up $14 worth of token use, while the pricier one succeeded for just $1.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
It can also make them pricier to run.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
Hybrid long-term-care insurance can be pricier than a traditional policy.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
In August, airline fares were up more than 23% from the year prior, according to the U.S. consumer-price index — and flights are expected to keep getting pricier.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
Nevertheless, for households in the 21-nation euro area, another hike will still mean pricier mortgages, consumer credit and other loans.
From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026
AMD, Marvell, Corning, and Bloom Energy were among the priciest stocks hit by valuation declines, according to Trivariate Research.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
The priciest options are designed especially for athletes, and Dos Santos -- who himself lost two legs in a car accident -- has visited this cohort following the quakes.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
Kitchen renovations are the most common type of remodel, and they’re usually the priciest, with homeowners spending a median of $24,000 on kitchen projects in 2025, according to the 2026 U.S.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026
“Those markets are already among the priciest in Southern California and I can only imagine that will continue with this new wealth creation.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
Then she mutters, “The priciest priceless little Penny ever.”
From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
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