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

HOA fees are ancillary housing costs, along with property taxes and home insurance, that all add to homeowners’ monthly expenses.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 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

There are plenty of ancillary stories collected here by Mr. O’Brien, but none as unlikely as Mr. Bird’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 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

This is one of many assertions of the existence of ancillary gods, who are not metaphors, nor natural laws, but personal rulers of provinces, which may very well be each a universe, free and independent.

From The Conflict of Religions in the Early Roman Empire by Glover, T. R. (Terrot Reaveley)

Related Words

• additional