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
see also:
the lap of luxury

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.
Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of more than $50 million in cash seized from various accounts related to Ahmed, as well as two Rolls-Royces, a Lamborghini, a Mercedes and three luxury properties in Houston. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Designing the future The French fashion house Louis Vuitton, which opened its doors in 1854, is today the world's largest luxury brand. — David Morgan, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Many were cruise obsessives who had sampled all the high-end lines and determined that Explora was the best of the bunch––in part for its laid-back, let-your-hair-down approach to luxury. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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