Indulgence means allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, even when it might not be strictly necessary or completely sensible. When your parents let you stay up late to finish an exciting book, that's an indulgence. When you treat yourself to an extra cookie after dinner, that's an indulgence.

The word often carries a sense of pleasure and perhaps a tiny bit of excess. A chef might describe a rich chocolate cake as an indulgence because it's wonderfully delicious but not something you'd eat every day. Someone might indulge in a favorite hobby on the weekend, giving themselves permission to spend extra time doing something they love.

Being indulgent toward others means being lenient or permissive with them. An indulgent grandparent might let grandchildren get away with things their parents wouldn't allow. An indulgent teacher might extend a deadline when students have tried their best.

The word can tip toward the negative when indulgence goes too far. Overindulgence means having too much of something, like eating so much candy you feel sick. Self-indulgent describes someone who puts their own pleasure ahead of responsibilities or other people's needs.