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 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

Four people have been arrested after allegedly filing fake insurance claims stating that a bear had damaged the interiors of three luxury cars.

From BBC

It’s something not commonly found on menus because it’s high cost, but there are ways to incorporate it into dishes to add a piece of luxury that you don’t get everyday.

From Salon

A prolific romance fraudster is currently serving the latest in a string of prison sentences for scamming women out of thousands of pounds through false promises of love and a luxury lifestyle.

From BBC

In the driveway of a lushly landscaped home just off the Malibu coast sits a luxury British automobile, rounded, elegant; a smooth-sailing land yacht.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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