supplement
Americannoun
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something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.
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a part added to a book, document, etc., to supply additional or later information, correct errors, or the like.
- Synonyms:
- postscript, epilogue, addendum
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a part, usually of special character, issued as an additional feature of a newspaper or other periodical.
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Geometry. the quantity by which an angle or an arc falls short of 180° or a semicircle.
verb (used with object)
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to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement.
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to form a supplement or addition to.
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to supply (a deficiency).
noun
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an addition designed to complete, make up for a deficiency, etc
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a section appended to a publication to supply further information, correct errors, etc
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a magazine or section inserted into a newspaper or periodical, such as one with colour photographs issued every week
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geometry
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either of a pair of angles whose sum is 180°
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Abbreviation: sup. supp. an arc of a circle that when added to another arc forms a semicircle
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verb
Usage
What does supplement mean? A supplement is an addition to something that completes it or makes up for a shortcoming, as in He takes vitamin supplements to make up for his vitamin C deficiency.A supplement is also an addition to a book that provides important information or corrects errors. In this sense, supplement can be confused with the words appendix and index. An appendix gives additional information, such as charts and graphs, but the book or document would be considered complete without it. An index is an alphabetical list of names or topics with page numbers that helps you find something specific in the book, such as all the references to John Wilkes Booth in a biography of Abraham Lincoln.As a verb, supplement means to add to something, as in Tameka sold paintings to supplement her income.In this sense, supplement can be confused with the word complement. Both words mean to add something, but to complement means to add something to make up for a missing piece or element, while to supplement is to add extra information.Example: The company built a new roller coaster to supplement its original roller coaster, which always has a long line.
Related Words
See appendix. See complement.
Other Word Forms
- supplementation noun
- supplementer noun
- unsupplemented adjective
- well-supplemented adjective
Etymology
Origin of supplement
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplēmentum “that by which anything is made full,” equivalent to sup- sup- + plē- (stem of plēre “to fill”; full 1 ) + -mentum -ment
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.
When your cash and bonds are used up, you move on to this bucket, which is still supplemented by your Social Security benefits.
From MarketWatch
This included individuals with normal kidney function and those not taking medications or supplements that influence potassium levels.
From Science Daily
He has recently touted creatine supplements and an AI calorie-tracking app.
From Los Angeles Times
“FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients.”
From Los Angeles Times
“The inclusion of a maiden resource for West Dome Underground and extensions at Main Dome Underground outline exciting high-grade additions which can serve as a supplement to the base load low-grade open pit,” says Hissey.
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.
