luxury
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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a means of ministering to such indulgence or enjoyment.
This travel plan gives you the luxury of choosing which countries you can visit.
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a pleasure out of the ordinary allowed to oneself.
the luxury of an extra piece of the cake.
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a foolish or worthless form of self-indulgence.
the luxury of self-pity.
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Archaic. lust; lasciviousness; lechery.
adjective
noun
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indulgence in and enjoyment of rich, comfortable, and sumptuous living
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(sometimes plural) something that is considered an indulgence rather than a necessity
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something pleasant and satisfying
the luxury of independence
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(modifier) relating to, indicating, or supplying luxury
a luxury liner
Other Word 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
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Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
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"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"
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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.
In some cases, star athletes have reportedly been rewarded with luxury cars, apartments and even membership in the ruling Workers' Party.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
When a high number of people admire a luxury company, even if they can’t afford to own its goods, it cements its value as a status symbol.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
And because I’ve saved money on the practical things, I can justify tossing a bag of frozen dumplings into my basket for fun — a tiny luxury subsidized by scallions.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
Umansky also enjoys championing the vast team of real estate agents at his luxury firm.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
After living at Ashton Place she was no longer shocked by luxury, but still—Number Twelve was something to see.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
