costly

[ kawst-lee, kost- ]
/ ˈkɔst li, ˈkɒst- /

adjective, cost·li·er, cost·li·est.

costing much; expensive; high in price: a costly emerald bracelet; costly medical care.
resulting in great expense: The upkeep of such a large house is costly.
resulting in great detriment: It was a costly mistake because no one ever trusted him again.
of great value; very valuable; sumptuous.
lavish; extravagant.

Origin of costly

First recorded in 1350–1400, costly is from the Middle English word costli. See cost, -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM costly

cost·li·ness, noun o·ver·cost·li·ness, noun o·ver·cost·ly, adjective un·cost·ly, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for costly

British Dictionary definitions for costly

costly
/ (ˈkɒstlɪ) /

adjective -lier or -liest

of great price or value; expensive
entailing great loss or sacrifice a costly victory
splendid; lavish

Derived forms of costly

costliness, noun