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

The vouchers were reportedly intended as raffle prizes and gifts to volunteers, but Joell-Deshields spent them on luxury perfumes and Apple products, the directors said.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“I work in fashion, where vanity is very high,” said Auth, 33, a senior account manager for Wolford, a luxury lingerie and hosiery brand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The company, which is investing in a global expansion and launching a new luxury product line, RH Estates, outlined its plans to ramp up revenue growth and pay off debt by 2029.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The games will be set in “a luxury chalet in Park City, Utah, with contestants asked to complete a series of “mental and physical challenges over four days,” according to Variety.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Her family had the luxury of time on their side, because, well, their lives weren't in danger.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

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