luxury

American  

[luhk-shuh-ree, luhg-zhuh-] / ˈlʌk ʃə ri, ˈlʌg ʒə- /

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.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or affording luxury.

   a luxury hotel.

luxury British  

/ 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

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luxury Idioms  

1. see lap of luxury.

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Other Word Forms

• semiluxury noun
• superluxury noun

Etymology

Origin of luxury

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

Example Sentences

In the mid-20th century, real-estate lenders designated lots east of Lake Avenue as higher value, which led to more luxury homes and wealthier residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Fed has also published a detailed FAQ External link disputing claims that the project includes luxury features such as VIP dining rooms or rooftop amenities, saying those elements were never built.

From Barron's

Under Spevak’s leadership, Equinox has expanded beyond luxury gyms and into hotels and wellness.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We believe that it shouldn’t cost luxury prices to get the kind of care that everybody deserves,” Legend says.

From Los Angeles Times

Big businesses, especially in the defence and aerospace sector, but also French luxury goods firms, are increasingly keen to hire the students as they face relentless cybersecurity and spying threats as well as sabotage.

From BBC

Related Words

• affluence
• comfort
• enjoyment
• extravagance
• leisure
• opulence
• richness