luxury
n. · adj.-
1 wealthy surroundings (n.) B1 Intermediatea way of living that involves great comfort, expensive things, and lots of money.
a state of great comfort or elegance involving great expense. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
ExampleThe royal family lived in total luxury in their summer palace.
ExampleAfter years of financial struggle, the entrepreneur finally enjoyed a life of luxury, traveling only by private jet and staying in five-star suites.
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2 an expensive treat (n.) B1 Intermediatesomething expensive that you enjoy but do not really need for your daily life.
an inessential, desirable item which is expensive or difficult to obtain. Countable in this sense.
ExampleA new sports car is a luxury that most people cannot afford.
ExampleThe department store specializes in high-end luxuries, from designer handbags to rare perfumes imported from France.
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3 a rare pleasure (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea special pleasure or advantage that you do not often have.
a pleasure or advantage that is rarely experienced or available. Often used with 'the luxury of'.
ExampleI finally had the luxury of sleeping until noon on Sunday.
ExampleWorking from home gave him the luxury of spending more time with his children during the week.
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4 high-end or expensive (adj.) B1 Intermediatedescribing something that is very expensive and of high quality.
relating to or providing luxury; high-end and intended for a wealthy market. Attributive use.
ExampleThey spent their honeymoon at a luxury hotel on the coast.
ExampleThe developer plans to convert the old warehouse into luxury apartments featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and marble finishes.
From Middle English luxurie, from Old French luxurie, from Latin luxuria (“rankness, luxury”), from luxus (“extravagance, luxury”).