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

Now, he added, more shoppers are turning to the secondhand market not just to buy luxury names at a discount for themselves but as presents.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A fruity martini offers a liquid throwback, a little luxury, a signal of playfulness — and yes, a small Instagrammable escape.

Read more on Salon

Guerlain next year is launching a lipstick that costs around $56, a more affordably priced luxury product to attract younger customers, she said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Today, only a handful of cinemas remain, the others having shut down in favour of luxury boutiques and tourist-oriented shops.

Read more on Barron's

The wealth gap in the U.S. is becoming so wide that even luxury brands are being divided into haves and have-nots.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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