luxury

[ luhk-shuh-ree, luhg-zhuh- ]

noun

, plural lux·u·ries.

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 Words From

• semi·luxu·ry noun plural semiluxuries
• super·luxu·ry noun adjective

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

The Dodgers are already well on their way to paying luxury tax penalties for a fifth consecutive year.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani’s historic deferrals have kept the team’s actual payroll levels flexible, and seemingly made club executives more willing to pay luxury tax penalties long-term.

From Los Angeles Times

Mulberry is among several firms to have been hit hard by a sharp decline in luxury spending worldwide.

From BBC

A 10-year-old boy and his grandfather have joined forces to set up a luxury woodwork business.

From BBC

The company’s so-called experiences division, which consists of its theme parks, cruise line, luxury travel experiences and merchandise, contributed nearly 60% of Disney’s operating income this fiscal year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affluence
• comfort
• enjoyment
• extravagance
• leisure
• opulence
• richness