ancillary

[an-suh-ler-ee, an-sil-uh-ree]

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

/ ænˈsɪlərɪ /

adjective

1. subsidiary

2. auxiliary; supplementary

   ancillary services

noun

1. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person

   the company has an ancillary abroad

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancillary¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancillary¹

C17: from Latin ancillāris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of ancūla female servant

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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With Stranger Than; taking the helm on the ancillary events, a large portion of responsibility was lifted from González Vargas’ shoulders.

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Most publicly traded hospital stocks and some ancillary stocks are trading near year-to-date highs.

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Related Words

• additional