luxury

noun

plural luxuries
1
: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment
lived in luxury
2
a
: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary
one of life's luxuries
b
: an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease
had the luxury of rejecting a handful of job offersTerri Minsky
3
archaic : lechery, lust
luxury adjective

Examples of luxury in a Sentence

He spent a fortune on expensive wines and other luxuries. Right now a new car is a luxury that I can't afford. On my salary, I can afford few luxuries. We were lucky to have the luxury of choosing from among several good options. We can't afford the luxury of waiting any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web That is on the table, that’s an option that some women have the luxury of entertaining. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 Apr. 2024 But John Muir was using an ax that was made in a factory somewhere, by other people who didn’t have the luxury of going off the grid. David Allan, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024 The black-tie event will take place at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and feature a live auction of one-of-a-kind luxury goods, experiences and art led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury. Marc Malkin, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024 Other properties owned by Bill Gates While the Medina mansion may seem like enough, Gates owns several other luxury properties across the U.S. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024 While this might be considered a luxury pick for the Panthers, the team has no reason to rest at any position in the draft (outside of maybe punter and long snapper). Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2024 The exclusive black-tie event, which has raised $264 million for amfAR’s programs since its inception, will take place at the famed Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and will feature additional special performances and a live auction of luxury goods, experiences and art led by auctioneer Simon de Pury. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Apr. 2024 Despite its compelling architecture and landmark status, the building lay abandoned for more than three decades before it was transformed into luxury condominiums in 2005. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024 Many residents have settled here, and are already enjoying the quiet, secluded streets and amenities offered in luxury maintenance provided communities. Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'luxury.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English luxurie, from Anglo-French luxorie, from Latin luxuria rankness, luxury, excess; akin to Latin luxus luxury, excess

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of luxury was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near luxury

Cite this Entry

“Luxury.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luxury. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

luxury

noun
lux·​u·​ry ˈləksh-(ə-)rē How to pronounce luxury (audio) ˈləgzh- How to pronounce luxury (audio)
plural luxuries
1
a
: free use or possession of costly food, dress, or anything that pleases a person
b
: great ease or comfort : rich surroundings
live in luxury
2
a
: something desirable but costly or hard to get
b
: something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary
luxury adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on luxury

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