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
1
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 bright scarf is the only accessory she needs to lift a plain dress."
"The shop sells phone cases, chargers and other accessories at the front."
2
A person who helps someone commit a crime without directly carrying it out.
"He was charged as an accessory to the robbery."
"The driver who waited outside was an accessory to the burglary, according to the court."
"Hiding the stolen goods made her an accessory after the crime."
adj
1
Supplementary or secondary rather than essential.
"The manual describes several accessory features that aren't required for basic use."
"The report treated the garden as an accessory benefit of buying the house, not the main reason."
"Sound effects are accessory elements in the game, and it still works without them."
How to use accessory
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- accessories
- Comparative
- more accessory
- Superlative
- most accessory
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A bright scarf is the only _____ she needs to lift a plain dress.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin accessorius, related to accessus (see access) — something that "goes along with" the main thing.
Synonyms
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adjunct
add-on
extra
embellishment
trimming
appurtenance
accessary
accouterment
accoutrement
auxiliary
ancillary
appurtenant
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for accessory
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.
What is the difference between an accessory and an accomplice in a crime?
An accessory is someone who helps another person commit a crime without directly carrying out the criminal act itself, such as by providing a getaway car or hiding evidence. An accomplice, by contrast, typically takes a more active, direct role in the crime alongside the main offender.
Is accessory only used to describe fashion items?
No, accessory has multiple distinct meanings beyond fashion. It also describes a person who helps commit a crime without directly committing it, and as an adjective it describes anything supplementary or secondary rather than essential.
What does it mean when accessory is used as an adjective?
As an adjective, accessory describes something that is supplementary or secondary rather than central or essential to a larger whole. This usage appears in technical, legal, and general contexts to mark something as an add-on rather than a core component.
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