accessory

[ak-ses-uh-ree]

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.

adjective

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

2. Law.,  giving aid as an accessory.

accessory

/ 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

adjective

1. supplementary; additional; subordinate

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of accessory¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of accessory¹

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see _access

Synonym Study

See addition.

Example Sentences

Are foreign sports teams the new celebrity accessory?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I cannot function without that coffee,” said Updegrove, who runs a company that makes custom car accessories.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I originally wanted an ADU,” Puleo said of adding an accessory dwelling unit to expand the art studio in his garage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During this time, attendees can shop for clothing, accessories and art from Indigenous designers and makers at a host of curated pop-ups.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, she also launched a new digital shop, allowing fans to purchase her favourite clothing, accessories and jewellery recommendations.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adornment 
• appliance 
• component 
• decoration