luxury
Americannoun
-
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.
-
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.
-
a means of ministering to such indulgence or enjoyment.
This travel plan gives you the luxury of choosing which countries you can visit.
-
a pleasure out of the ordinary allowed to oneself.
the luxury of an extra piece of the cake.
-
a foolish or worthless form of self-indulgence.
the luxury of self-pity.
-
Archaic. lust; lasciviousness; lechery.
adjective
noun
-
indulgence in and enjoyment of rich, comfortable, and sumptuous living
-
(sometimes plural) something that is considered an indulgence rather than a necessity
-
something pleasant and satisfying
the luxury of independence
-
(modifier) relating to, indicating, or supplying luxury
a luxury liner
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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; see -y 3
Explanation
A luxury is something that is pleasant to have or experience, but it is not necessary. For example, eating in a restaurant is a luxury — you can always cook and eat at home. In its earliest days, luxury meant "excess that is sinfully self-indulgent." Over time, this definition softened, losing the air of judgment, but retaining the sense that a luxury is enjoyable or comfortable, but not necessary. We often think of a luxury as something costly, but this isn't always so. For example, being able to sleep late or live within walking distance of loved ones or a beautiful forest can also be luxuries.
Vocabulary lists containing luxury
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The government also says it found millions in cash and dozens of luxury watches during its search.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
The CAC 40 trades flat in Paris as gains for luxury stocks counter a 3.25% slide for STMicroelectronics.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
This luxury experience typically costs between $11,000 and $16,000.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
"People may think we're talking about luxury, big properties with big bedrooms, multiple properties - that's not what we were talking about at all," Fraser says.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Her family had the luxury of time on their side, because, well, their lives weren't in danger.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
