luxury
Luxury (noun) means a state of great comfort, ease, and often expensive surroundings. Example: “After years of scraping by, they finally lived in luxury.”
How to use luxury
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething expensive, comfortable, or indulgent that goes beyond what you actually need.
The older sense meaning "lust" is archaic and essentially unused in modern English — don't rely on it.
Word forms
more luxury comparative, luxuries plural, most luxury superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After years of scraping by, they finally lived in _____.
Etymology
From Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria, "abundance, extravagance" — from luxus, "excess".
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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