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

"The movie has strong ancillary business, merchandising, and theme park potential, and it's going to be very profitable."

From Barron's

In addition, they have increased their ancillary fees, including fuel surcharges, address-correction fees and an added charge for delivering to residences.

From The Wall Street Journal

They were further boosted by passengers’ willingness to pay for ancillary services, which rose by 15% and cover services such as baggage fees and food on board.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is already a long book, and it would have been better without the ancillary stories.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• additional