trappings

American  

[trap-ingz] / ˈtræp ɪŋz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. articles of equipment or dress, especially of an ornamental character.

   Synonyms:

   apparel, attire, raiment, costume

2. conventional adornment; characteristic signs.

   trappings of democracy.

3. Sometimes trapping. an ornamental covering for a horse; caparison.

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trappings British  

/ ˈtræpɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the accessories and adornments that characterize or symbolize a condition, office, etc

   the visible trappings of success

2. a ceremonial harness for a horse or other animal, including bridles, saddles, etc

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Etymology

Origin of trappings

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at trap ², -ing ¹, -s ³

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Explanation

Big house, shiny new car, a custom-made suit, an expensive watch, cool sunglasses... If you have these things, you have the trappings of success, which means you own things that give you the outward appearance of success. The word trappings originally described the decorations people attached to their horse's bridle and saddle. The goal was to make a statement about the rider's power and privilege. Today, we still have trappings, but they take other forms, such as expensive clothing with big logos or big diamond earrings. Trappings are material items that tell the world that someone has money — or a credit card — but not about who he or she is on the inside.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trappings

But the trappings of his and Lee Arguello’s life are falling apart.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Thrust into the political wilderness the party's national leaders were bewildered - familiar with the trappings of federal power they had to work out what to do in opposition.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Yet the writer-director has worked in other genres and his latest finds him trying his hand at a whodunit within the trappings of a historical drama.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

With its jokes about the inner workings of Hollywood agents at CAA and the trappings of fame and fortune, “Gail Daughtry” could easily feel like inside baseball.

From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026

I admired the graceful gold-and-pink rose pattern on the translucent bone china and figured that some of the trappings of civilization weren’t so bad after all.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

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Related Words

• accouterment
• equipment
• paraphernalia

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