# luxury

/ˈɫəɡʒɝi/ (US) · /lˈʌkʃəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/luxury
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. wealthy surroundings

noun · CEFR B1

a way of living that involves great comfort, expensive things, and lots of money.

For teachers: a state of great comfort or elegance involving great expense. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

- The royal family lived in total luxury in their summer palace.
- After years of financial struggle, the entrepreneur finally enjoyed a life of luxury, traveling only by private jet and staying in five-star suites.

### 2. an expensive treat

noun · CEFR B1

something expensive that you enjoy but do not really need for your daily life.

For teachers: an inessential, desirable item which is expensive or difficult to obtain. Countable in this sense.

- A new sports car is a luxury that most people cannot afford.
- The department store specializes in high-end luxuries, from designer handbags to rare perfumes imported from France.

### 3. a rare pleasure

noun · CEFR B2

a special pleasure or advantage that you do not often have.

For teachers: a pleasure or advantage that is rarely experienced or available. Often used with 'the luxury of'.

- I finally had the luxury of sleeping until noon on Sunday.
- Working from home gave him the luxury of spending more time with his children during the week.

### 4. high-end or expensive

adjective · CEFR B1

describing something that is very expensive and of high quality.

For teachers: relating to or providing luxury; high-end and intended for a wealthy market. Attributive use.

- They spent their honeymoon at a luxury hotel on the coast.
- The developer plans to convert the old warehouse into luxury apartments featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and marble finishes.

## Examples

- A hot bath is a real luxury after a long day.
- While they had enough money for food and rent, they could rarely afford the luxury of eating at a restaurant.
- The hotel offers every imaginable luxury, from private chauffeurs to personal chefs, catering to a clientele that views such amenities as standard requirements rather than occasional indulgences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.