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Synonyms

ancillary

American  
[an-suh-ler-ee, an-sil-uh-ree] / ˈæn səˌlɛr i, ænˈsɪl ə ri /

adjective

  1. subordinate; secondary; subsidiary.

    Your medical coverage includes physiotherapy, eye testing, and other ancillary services.

  2. auxiliary; assisting.

    The bookkeeper serves in an ancillary role, supporting the treasurer.


noun

PLURAL

ancillaries
  1. something that serves in an ancillary capacity.

    Downloadable ancillaries to the basic textbook, such as videos and worksheets, are on our website.

ancillary British  
/ ænˈsɪlərɪ /

adjective

  1. subsidiary

  2. auxiliary; supplementary

    ancillary services

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person

    the company has an ancillary abroad

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ancillary

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin ancillāris “having the status of a handmaid or female servant” + -ary adjective suffix; ancilla, -ary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the director, Michael Arden, who won his second directing Tony for “Maybe Happy Ending,” cannot keep the musical from stalling as various ancillary characters weave in and out.

From The Wall Street Journal

Core medical ancillary benefits include dental, vision and hearing coverage, which are not covered by original Medicare.

From MarketWatch

Over the years of Coffin Creek’s various incarnations, a number of ancillary attractions complemented the mazes: a magic show, horror merchandise vendors and food stands.

From Los Angeles Times

Executives “called out the need for consolidating core platforms and investing in the ancillary units,” Koning wrote.

From MarketWatch

These expenses are in-network and before any other ancillary hospital co-insurance for procedures, lab work, drug costs and whatever else is charged.

From MarketWatch