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

Byrne, on the other hand, gives a worthy performance that saves “Tow” from its own pedantic trappings and functions as a similarly fed-up complement to her character in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

“And then … you’d come home and paparazzi and all the sort of the trappings of, you know, living in that space.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

But the former military academy student has long shown a fascination for martial trappings, often surrounding himself with soldiers and visiting military sites.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Hedda, in effect, torches the realistic trappings that Nora from “A Doll’s House” also came to understand as a trap.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Ser Balon Swarm wore the same armor, but his horse trappings bore the battling black-and-white swans of his House.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• accouterment
• equipment
• paraphernalia