ancillary

[an-suh-ler-ee, an-sil-uh-ree]

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.

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

/ ænˈsɪlərɪ /

adjective

1. subsidiary

2. auxiliary; supplementary

   ancillary services

noun

1. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person

   the company has an ancillary abroad

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancillary¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancillary¹

C17: from Latin ancillāris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of ancūla female servant

Example Sentences

It would also have staff facilities and ancillary accommodation, including treatment, utility rooms, a sensory room and a dedicated adolescent area.

From BBC

"I've got a real concern they still don't know who all their supply chain and the ancillary affected businesses are."

From BBC

"This makes it easier to create ancillary units, even outside of the main and local centres."

From BBC

But certainly on the periphery or the ancillary players that kind of go up and down, they’re kind of in and out, which is not easy for them.”

From Los Angeles Times

With Air Canada and Southwest the latest airlines to charge passengers for check-in luggage, the ballooning cost of such ancillary or "junk fees" is provoking anger among politicians and consumer groups.

From BBC

Related Words

• additional