expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv 
1
: involving high cost or sacrifice
an expensive hobby
2
a
: commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means
b
: characterized by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
Examples of expensive in a Sentence
The lights were expensive to install.
expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s no telling how expensive the wardrobe budget is on the film, but this lookalike style is just $30 right now.
—
Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The trick to making any outfit look expensive?
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Unlike throw pillows or artwork, big-ticket trends like tile, cabinetry, and custom features are expensive and time-consuming to change.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Get Rid Of Carpet Stains Rather than expensive carpet cleaners, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat stains on white or light-colored carpets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
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Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The trick to making any outfit look expensive?
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Unlike throw pillows or artwork, big-ticket trends like tile, cabinetry, and custom features are expensive and time-consuming to change.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Get Rid Of Carpet Stains Rather than expensive carpet cleaners, hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat stains on white or light-colored carpets.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv
1
: costly sense 2
an expensive hobby
2
a
: having a high price
expensive gifts
b
: marked by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
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