What does pricey mean?
Pricey is an informal adjective meaning that something costs a lot of money or seems expensive relative to its value. It is common in everyday British and American English, especially when discussing shops, restaurants, hotels, clothes, or other consumer goods. The word can be used simply to report a high price, as in “the tickets are pricey,” or more critically, to suggest that the price is not justified, as in “the meal is far too pricey.” Its informal tone distinguishes it from the more formal “expensive” and the more neutral “high-priced.” Although “pricy” is also a recognized spelling, especially in British English, “pricey” is the more usual form in American English. Overall, the word is useful when the important point is not merely that an item costs money, but that its price feels notably high or excessive.
adjectiveCosting a large amount of money; expensive. It can also suggest that something is priced higher than expected or seems poor value for its price.
- Costing a large amount of money, especially more than is considered good value.
"The restaurant is excellent, but the dinner is rather pricey."
"We looked for a reasonably priced hotel, but every option in the centre was pricey."
"The designer jacket is stylish, though it is pricey for what it is."
“Pricey” has a useful warning built into its sound: when something sounds pricey, your wallet may need a moment before your taste buds do.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pricey come from?
“Pricey” was formed in the 19th century from the noun “price” with the adjective suffix “-y.” “Price” comes through Old French from Latin pretium, meaning “price” or “payment,” a root also represented in English words such as “expensive,” “priceless,” and “appraisal.” The suffix gives the modern word its familiar, conversational tone.
How pricey is actually used
“Pricey” is common in informal British and American English. It can be used matter-of-factly, but it often carries the additional implication that something seems overpriced or is more expensive than expected.
Easily confused with pricey
“Pricy” is an alternative spelling of “pricey” in British English and in some other varieties; “pricey” is the more usual form in American English.
“Picky” means difficult to please or overly selective, while “pricey” means costly.