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

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

But despite the classical trappings, this was the loudest concert I've ever experienced at the O2 - not least on a thumping techno remix of Berghain, which the star premiered at this year's Brit Awards.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

In the aftermath of the crime, newly minted fans of Mangione quickly fitted the man with revolutionary trappings, enshrining him as an avenger of working-class power.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

But where its cinematic peers get snared by trying to elucidate the truth of the pop star, Lowery’s film skates past the conventions and trappings, landing on something high-concept but deceptively straightforward.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

A modest yet amusingly spiky round trip from Manhattan to Martha’s Vineyard, it has the trappings of a rom-com but a trickier soulfulness about its unlikely connection.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In his last two years at Duke, for all his early infatuation with the social life and trappings of wealth, Farmer quit his fraternity and began concentrating on his studies.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• accouterment
• equipment
• paraphernalia