Dictionary.com

ancillary

[ an-suh-ler-ee or, especially British, an-sil-uh-ree ]
/ ˈæn səˌlɛr i or, especially British, ænˈsɪl ə ri /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: ancillary / ancillaries on Thesaurus.com

adjective
subordinate; secondary; subsidiary: Your medical coverage includes physiotherapy, eye testing, and other ancillary services.
auxiliary; assisting:The bookkeeper serves in an ancillary role, supporting the treasurer.
noun, plural an·cil·lar·ies.
something that serves in an ancillary capacity: Downloadable ancillaries to the basic textbook, such as videos and worksheets, are on our website.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of ancillary

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin ancillāris “having the status of a handmaid or female servant” + -ary adjective suffix; see origin at ancilla, -ary
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ancillary in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ancillary

ancillary
/ (ænˈsɪlərɪ) /

adjective
subsidiary
auxiliary; supplementaryancillary services
noun plural -laries
a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or personthe company has an ancillary abroad

Word Origin for ancillary

C17: from Latin ancillāris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of ancūla female servant
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK