What does luxury mean?
Luxury means something richly enjoyable that is valued for its comfort, quality, rarity, or high price rather than its necessity. It can refer to a particular possession, such as a luxury car or watch, to an experience, such as luxury travel, or more broadly to a standard of elegant and materially comfortable living. The word often suggests that an item or pleasure goes beyond what is needed, so it can carry connotations of privilege, extravagance, or indulgence. At the same time, “luxury” is normally positive when describing comfort, craftsmanship, or exceptional quality. In everyday use, the expression “the luxury of” often identifies a simple convenience that is nevertheless treated as especially welcome: “the luxury of a quiet morning.” Luxury is useful because it captures not merely expense but the idea of something comparatively effortless, beautiful, or gratifying.
nounAn expensive or rare item, experience, or form of comfort that is valued chiefly for its quality, enjoyment, or elegance. The word can also refer generally to luxurious living or material indulgence.
- Something expensive, comfortable, rare, or otherwise highly valued that is enjoyed as a luxury.
- The state of living in or enjoying expensive and lavish comforts.
- A pleasurable or indulgent experience valued for its comfort or quality.
"The hotel offered guests the luxury of a private terrace and a spa overlooking the sea."
"A small cabin with a fireplace seemed like an extraordinary luxury."
"The airline offers luxury travel with lie-flat seats and priority service."
The plural is used for individual expensive or pleasurable things and for acts of indulgence.
"The company offers employees a range of luxuries, including private travel and gourmet meals."
Luxury was once a term associated with excess and moral danger; today it most often describes something costly, comfortable, or exceptionally well made.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does luxury come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French luxure, meaning “lust” or “excess,” which derives from Latin luxuria, a noun associated with luxury, excess, and sensuality. The modern meaning developed as the word’s earlier associations with moral excess became less central. Related English forms include “luxurious,” “luxuriate,” and “luxuriant,” all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How luxury is actually used
The word is common in both British and American English. It may describe practical possessions, services, or abstract comforts, and it often carries a slightly critical undertone when used of excessive spending.