noun
luxury
LUHK-shuh-ree
noun
1
A state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings.
"After years of scraping by, they finally lived in luxury."
"The apartment was decorated in pure luxury, from the chandeliers to the marble floors."
2
Something enjoyable and desirable but not strictly necessary — a treat rather than a need.
"A long bath after a hard day is one of life's small luxuries."
"Owning a car is a luxury for many people living in big cities with good transport links."
adj
1
Very expensive and of the highest quality; upscale.
"They test-drove a luxury sedan before deciding on something more practical."
How to Use Luxury
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething expensive, comfortable, or indulgent that goes beyond what you actually need.
Common mistake
The older sense meaning "lust" is archaic and essentially unused in modern English — don't rely on it.
Common pairings
a life of luxury
luxury goods
affordable luxury
can't afford the luxury of
Word Forms
more luxury comparative, luxuries plural, most luxury superlative
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After years of scraping by, they finally lived in _____.
Etymology
From Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria, "abundance, extravagance" — from luxus, "excess".