paraphernalia
Americannoun
-
(sometimes used with a singular verb) equipment, apparatus, or furnishing used in or necessary for a particular activity.
a skier's paraphernalia.
- Synonyms:
- trappings
-
(used with a plural verb) personal belongings.
- Synonyms:
- effects
-
(used with a singular verb) the personal articles, apart from dower, reserved by law to a married woman.
plural noun
-
miscellaneous articles or equipment
-
law (formerly) articles of personal property given to a married woman by her husband before or during marriage and regarded in law as her possessions over which she has some measure of control
Other Word Forms
- paraphernal adjective
- paraphernalian adjective
Etymology
Origin of paraphernalia
1470–80; < Medieval Latin paraphernālia ( bona ) a bride's goods, beyond her dowry, equivalent to Late Latin paraphern ( a ) a bride's property (< Greek parápherna, equivalent to para- para- 1 + phern ( ḗ ) dowry, derivative of phérein to bear 1 + -a neuter plural noun suffix) + Latin -ālia, noun use of neuter plural of -ālis -al 1
Explanation
Having lunch in the park might require you to first gather together a lot of picnic paraphernalia, such as blankets, coolers, Frisbees, and other miscellaneous items that are relevant to that activity. This term dates back to the 17th century when it referred specifically to a woman’s personal belongings, not including her dowry. Now, it can refer to any gear or equipment necessary for a sport or any undertaking. For example, a hockey player’s paraphernalia would include various pieces of protective padding, while a pastry chef has a different set of articles she needs for her task, such as baking tins and mixers.
Vocabulary lists containing paraphernalia
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"The Lottery," Vocabulary from the short story
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The Hobbit
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Winnie the Pooh is all of us," said Kevin Kern, senior manager of research at the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, California, where all kinds of Pooh paraphernalia are neatly catalogued.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
Today, Mexico City is home to animal-themed Capybara Burger, a store near the center square that sells nothing but capybara paraphernalia and several zoos where visitors can see or pet them.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
The filing cabinet rammed with club paraphernalia was emptied - except for one key document.
From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026
The main decor consisted of historical photos and restaurant paraphernalia.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026
They hoisted the screaming rider up from the foot of the barn wall and gently laid him on the horse paraphernalia.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
