luxury
LUHK-shuh-ree
Luxury (noun) means a state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings. Example: “The hotel guests lounged by the pool in complete luxury, with staff bringing drinks.”
noun
1
A state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings.
"The hotel guests lounged by the pool in complete luxury, with staff bringing drinks."
"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.
"Eating out twice a week is a luxury we cannot afford this year."
"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.
"The shop sells luxury watches, leather bags and silk scarves."
"We booked a luxury hotel with a spa for our anniversary."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- luxuries
- Comparative
- more luxury
- Superlative
- most luxury
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hotel guests lounged by the pool in complete _____, with staff bringing drinks.
Etymology
From Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria, "abundance, extravagance" — from luxus, "excess".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for luxury
See all rhymes for luxury →Frequently asked questions
What does “luxury” mean?
The word “luxury” means a state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings. In plain terms, something expensive, comfortable, or indulgent that goes beyond what you actually need.
How do you pronounce “luxury”?
“Luxury” is pronounced LUHK-shuh-ree (/ˈlʌɡ.ʒə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “luxury” in a sentence?
Here is “luxury” used in a sentence: “After years of scraping by, they finally lived in luxury.”
What part of speech is “luxury”?
Depending on how it is used, “luxury” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “luxury” come from?
The word “luxury” comes from Latin. From Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria, "abundance, extravagance" — from luxus, "excess".
Is “luxury” a common word?
“Luxury” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “luxury” have?
“Luxury” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings.
What is the difference between "luxury" and "necessity"?
A "luxury" is something enjoyable and desirable but not essential — a treat rather than a need. A "necessity" is something you genuinely cannot do without, like food or shelter. The line between them can shift depending on circumstances.
What is the difference between "luxury" and "luxurious"?
"Luxury" is a noun meaning great comfort and often expensive surroundings, or a desirable non-essential treat. "Luxurious" is the adjective describing something that provides such comfort, as in "a luxurious hotel." You enjoy a luxury, but a room feels luxurious.
Can "luxury" be used as an adjective, as in "luxury car"?
Yes. Although "luxury" is a noun, it is often placed before another noun to describe high-end, expensive things, as in "luxury car" or "luxury apartment." Used this way it signals superior quality and comfort. "Luxurious" is the standard standalone adjective form.
What is the difference between "luxury" and "comfort"?
"Comfort" is a pleasant state of ease and freedom from hardship. "Luxury" goes further, adding expense, indulgence, and things beyond what is needed. All luxury is comfortable, but everyday comfort need not be luxurious.
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