luxury

noun

lux·​u·​ry ˈlək-sh(ə-)rē How to pronounce luxury (audio) -zh(ə-)rē How to pronounce luxury (audio)
plural luxuries
Synonyms of luxury
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 offers …—Terri Minsky
3
archaic : lechery, lust
luxury adjective

Synonyms of luxury

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Choose from energizing citrus, cooling eucalyptus and peppermint, calming lavender or a variety pack with five different scents – an easy way to add a little luxury to your daily routine. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 There’s a case to be made for every tic-tac-toe set being a travel tic-tac-toe set, due quite simply to its size; but this leather kit transforms one of the world’s simplest games into a luxury accessory. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026 Breckenridge is redefining mountain luxury, attracting affluent buyers who prioritize an authentic, approachable community over traditional exclusivity. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Jessica transforms the betrayal of a generation taught that work would protect them into visceral cinema, where illness cracks the skin while luxury masks collapse. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxury

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

Phrases Containing luxury

Browse Nearby Words

luxuriousness
luxury
luxury box
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luxury.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luxury. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of luxury for Spanish Speakers

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