accessory

American  

[ak-ses-uh-ree] / ækˈsɛs ə ri /

noun

plural

accessories

1. a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera.

2. an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit.

3. Law.

   1. Also called accessory before the fact.  a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony.

   2. Also called accessory after the fact.  a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony.

   Synonyms:

   accomplice

4. Anatomy. accessory nerve.

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adjective

1. contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.

2. Law. giving aid as an accessory.

accessory British  

/ ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl, əkˈsɛsərɪ /

noun

1. a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural) a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3. a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

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adjective

1. supplementary; additional; subordinate

2. assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Related Words

See addition.

Other Word Forms

• accessorial adjective
• accessorily adverb
• accessoriness noun
• interaccessory adjective
• nonaccessory adjective

Etymology

Origin of accessory

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English accessorie (from Middle French ), from Medieval Latin accessōrius. See accede, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Sources told The Times the ransom note felt credible because it included details about a specific damaged property and the placement of an accessory in the home.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

For the past year, the mania had been growing: Lady Gaga accessorized a Labubu on her Hermès purse; Cher, David Beckham and Marc Jacobs also clipped the accessory to their bags.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

The tie as an accessory is thought to date back to the 17th century when the French copied a neckscarf from Croatian mercenaries fighting on behalf of Louis XIV's army.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

My guy friends are constantly making fun of me for my commitment to such an ugly accessory.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Now, too late, they'll attempt to promote liver spots as the season's most sophisticated accessory.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• adornment
• appliance
• component
• decoration