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

Salah Fayed, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010, was one of three Fayed brothers who purchased the luxury Knightsbridge department store in 1985.

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

When combined with the requisite first month’s rent and security deposit in a city boasting some of the steepest rents on the planet, broker fees make moving in New York a cost-prohibitive luxury available to a select tier of renters with above-average access to cash.

From Salon

A Glendale man owed an Orange County couple $80,000, so he shot the husband, kidnapped and killed the wife, set their bodies on fire and returned to their home to steal almost $250,000 worth of luxury goods, authorities allege.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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