supplementary
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
nonsupplementaryadjective
-
presupplementaryadjective
-
unsupplementaryadjective
-
supplementarilyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of supplementary
First recorded in 1660–70; supplement + -ary
Explanation
Supplementary is a little something extra to fill in a gap, like when your teacher suggests supplementary reading material that you may or may not get around to checking out. Supplementary can be an important part of something or just extra support. The word supplement comes from the Latin supplementum for "something added to fix a deficiency" and the suffix -ary means "connected with." Put them together and you have something connected with filling in. The supplementary support of digging a moat around your sand castle might save it from a wave, but that supplementary reading on your syllabus isn't required (although it might save your grade).
Vocabulary lists containing supplementary
The Giver
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: The Language of the Test
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Under the Supplementary Vote system, voters get to choose a first and second choice.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
This was done with the Second Supplementary Budget Act 2021, which retroactively amended the Budget Act for 2021.
From Reuters • Nov. 15, 2023
Mr. Lott relied on FBI data for his study, using the bureau’s Supplementary Homicide Report.
From Washington Times • Jan. 17, 2023
Supplementary content should not be thought of as “extra,” for its purpose is to expand on the primary media.
From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021
Including the Suppressed Poems and Supplementary pieces selected from his papers after his Death.
From The Works of Lord Byron, Vol. 7. Poetry by Coleridge, Ernest Hartley
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
