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

Meditation retreats and niche luxury brands, often domestic, remain popular, along with travel.

Read more on Barron's

First Brands, which filed the lawsuit this week, says James diverted millions of dollars from the company to pay for luxuries like a private chef, personal trainer and homes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His former partner Grimes, with whom he has two children, told Vanity Fair in 2022 that he does not live the extravagant life of excess luxury many assume.

Read more on BBC

Ms. Connolly should take heed: Ireland can no longer have the luxury of a free ride at America’s expense.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Known for her work modeling with luxury fashion houses and as a longstanding Victoria’s Secret Angel, Ambrosio grew up in southern Brazil and returns to Florianópolis often to relax and recharge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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