ancillary

American  

[an-suh-ler-ee, an-sil-uh-ree] / ˈæn səˌlɛr i, ænˈsɪl ə ri /

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.

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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 British  

/ ænˈsɪlərɪ /

adjective

1. subsidiary

2. auxiliary; supplementary

   ancillary services

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noun

1. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person

   the company has an ancillary abroad

Etymology

Origin of ancillary

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

Example Sentences

We always build in six to seven ancillary pieces of content.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

“These industry shifts have directly reduced box office revenues and related ancillary revenues, including food and beverage sales,” the company stated in its bankruptcy filing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

And it is lucrative: add-on fees, or "ancillary revenue", brings in billions for these airlines every year.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Many enrollees are drawn to the program’s drug coverage, often included at no additional premium, and ancillary benefits like vision and dental, which traditional Medicare doesn’t cover.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

We also read of "ancillary sciences," and, in French, "sciences satellites."

From Introduction to the Study of History by Berry, George Godfrey

Related Words

• additional