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

This is already a long book, and it would have been better without the ancillary stories.

From The Wall Street Journal

We always build in six to seven ancillary pieces of content.

From The Wall Street Journal

“These industry shifts have directly reduced box office revenues and related ancillary revenues, including food and beverage sales,” the company stated in its bankruptcy filing.

From Los Angeles Times

Heading into the exhibition I was eager to see what 18th-century ribbons and laces if not frock coats and gowns would be displayed as ancillary objects.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are plenty of ancillary stories collected here by Mr. O’Brien, but none as unlikely as Mr. Bird’s.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• additional