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

“But I know lots of people who, in order to make ends meet, don’t have this luxury. Therefore, their life is much more violent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Aston Martin had already cut its guidance in September, saying it had been hit by a fall in demand in China, where a slowing economy has affected sales of luxury cars.

From BBC

In 2019, unionized construction workers raised alarms about a company building luxury apartments in Oakland that appeared to be skirting its financial obligations, both to the state and its employees.

From Los Angeles Times

The McLaren, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, was one of a number of luxury vehicles stolen for resale, police say.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers have long understood that areas with more wealth tend to have higher biodiversity, a phenomenon known as the "luxury effect."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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