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

They embrace abundance, the most comforting of luxuries.

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In Brooklyn, Din Tai Fung plans to open in 2027 on the ground floor of the Brook, a luxury apartment building where rent for a studio starts at $3,875 a month.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A billboard went up on a nearby interstate, accusing the wealthy regulator—“Trust Fund Tim”—of enjoying a life of luxury on the industry’s dollar.

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For luxury brands trying to win back shoppers, secondhand sellers have become a potential nuisance.

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A crocodile took a dip in a luxury hotel pool in northeastern Australia this weekend but failed to stir guests who relaxed in the sun a few steps away.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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