supernumerary

[ soo-per-noo-muh-rer-ee, -nyoo- ]

adjective

1. being in excess of the usual, proper, or prescribed number; additional; extra.
2. associated with a regular body or staff as an assistant or substitute in case of necessity.

noun

, plural su·per·nu·mer·ar·ies.

1. a supernumerary or extra person or thing.
2. a supernumerary official or employee.
3. a person who appears in a play or film without speaking lines or as part of a crowd; walk-on; extra.

supernumerary

/ -ˈnjuːmrərɪ; ˌsuːpəˈnjuːmərərɪ /

adjective

1. exceeding a regular or proper number; extra
2. functioning as a substitute or assistant with regard to a regular body or staff

noun

1. a person or thing that exceeds the normal, required, or regular number
2. a person who functions as a substitute or assistant
3. an actor who has no lines, esp a nonprofessional one

Word History and Origins

Origin of supernumerary¹

From the Late Latin word supernumerārius, dating back to 1595–1605. See super-, numerary

Word History and Origins

Origin of supernumerary¹

C17: from Late Latin supernumerārius, from Latin super- + numerus number

Example Sentences

I blame the fact that she is a longtime member of an organization within her Christian church, a significant financial contributor, and a supernumerary.

From Washington Post

Repeat the name twice very distinctly to him, and see there is no mistake about third or supernumerary or private.

From Project Gutenberg

The exempts to be supernumerary, having a small allowance, and maintained in the college till preferment offer.

From Project Gutenberg

Au reste, I am careful for nothing; I am a sort of supernumerary spoon, and there will be no damage to the set if I am lost.

From Project Gutenberg

We have to add small supernumerary words to bring back the original power.

From Project Gutenberg

The short or supernumerary line of non-commissioned officers on our right stood motionless as a row of statues.

From Project Gutenberg