Meaning of costly

cost•ly

Pronunciation: (kôst'lē, kost'-), [key]
— -li•er, -li•est.
  1. costing much; expensive; high in price: a costly emerald bracelet; costly medical care.
  2. resulting in great expense: The upkeep of such a large house is costly.
  3. resulting in great detriment: It was a costly mistake because no one ever trusted him again.
  4. of great value; very valuable; sumptuous.
  5. lavish; extravagant.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
cost ledger costmary