noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

accessory

uhk-SEHS-ree

Accessory (noun) means an additional item that complements or completes something, especially an outfit. Example: “She finished the look with a few simple accessories like earrings and a belt.”

noun

An additional item that complements or completes something, especially an outfit.

"She finished the look with a few simple accessories like earrings and a belt."

A person who helps someone commit a crime without directly carrying it out.

"He was charged as an accessory to the robbery."

adj

Supplementary or secondary rather than essential.

"The manual describes several accessory features that aren't required for basic use."

How to Use Accessory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an extra item added to complete something, or (in law) someone who assists in a crime.

Common pairings

fashion accessory accessory to a crime

Word Forms

more accessory comparative, accessories plural, most accessory superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “accessory” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was charged as an _____ to the robbery.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin accessorius, related to accessus (see access) — something that "goes along with" the main thing.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

View more →

addition attachment supplement

Related Words

addition reduction removal signing supplement attachment annex

Rhymes for accessory

Cory Tory gory dory Rory sory ivory glory story Amory Emory theory

See all rhymes for accessory →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “accessory” mean?

The word “accessory” means an additional item that complements or completes something, especially an outfit. In plain terms, either an extra item added to complete something, or (in law) someone who assists in a crime.

How do you pronounce “accessory”?

“Accessory” is pronounced uhk-SEHS-ree (/əkˈsɛs.(ə.)ɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “accessory” in a sentence?

Here is “accessory” used in a sentence: “He was charged as an accessory to the robbery.”

What is another word for “accessory”?

Words with a similar meaning to “accessory” include addition, attachment and supplement.

What part of speech is “accessory”?

Depending on how it is used, “accessory” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “accessory” come from?

The word “accessory” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin accessorius, related to accessus (see access) — something that "goes along with" the main thing.

Is “accessory” a common word?

“Accessory” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “accessory” have?

“Accessory” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an additional item that complements or completes something, especially an outfit.

Featured In

Vocabulary lists that include accessory:

Words With Latin Origins

People Also Searched

addition attachment supplement reduction removal signing annex