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.

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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

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noun

1. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person

   the company has an ancillary abroad

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

Weatherby said the key problem is a provision which would have the effect of "disapplying" the ancillary duty of candour to individual security and intelligence officers.

From BBC

Also, ancillary permits such as for plumbing and electricity, which are counted on the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

The bread and butter of independent distribution till now had been ancillary rights: DVDs, pay television, then pay-per-view.

From Los Angeles Times

Wells Fargo Investment Institute is “constructive on the AI theme and would suggest using market pullbacks to rebalance into ancillary technology trends with more attractive valuations,” such as financials, utilities and industrials, according to Beath.

From MarketWatch

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

Related Words

• additional