trappings
Americanplural noun
-
the accessories and adornments that characterize or symbolize a condition, office, etc
the visible trappings of success
-
a ceremonial harness for a horse or other animal, including bridles, saddles, etc
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.
Vocabulary lists containing trappings
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Things They Carried
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A recent trial in Shorewood, Wis., had all the trappings of a minor legal dispute.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
The shiny trappings are just part of the allure of the 58-year-old venue.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
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
She was too accustomed to dream logic to be surprised by any of the trappings, but not too jaded to find them beautiful.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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.
