adjective
ancillary
an-SIL-uh-ree (US); AN-suh-luh-ree (UK)
Ancillary (adjective) means providing support to something more important, without being an essential part of it. Example: “The hospital is recruiting nurses as well as ancillary staff.”
adjective
1
formal Providing support to something more important, without being an essential part of it.
"The hospital is recruiting nurses as well as ancillary staff."
"Parking fees and baggage charges are an ancillary source of revenue."
noun
1
formal, chiefly British A person or thing that provides support to a main activity, such as a support worker in a hospital or school.
"The ancillaries voted to join the strike."
"Cleaning and catering are handled by ancillaries."
How to use ancillary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHelping out with the main job, but not the main job itself.
When to use it
Formal; common in medicine, law, education and business.
Memory tip
Do not confuse it with 'axillary', which means relating to the armpit.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
ancillary staff
ancillary services
ancillary costs
ancillary revenue
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The hospital is recruiting nurses as well as _____ staff.
Etymology
From Latin ancillaris, from ancilla 'maidservant'.
Synonyms
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supporting
auxiliary
subsidiary
supplementary
secondary
support worker
accessory
appurtenant
adjunct
adjuvant
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ancillary
See all rhymes for ancillary →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ancillary and auxiliary?
They are close, but auxiliary suggests an extra resource held in reserve or added to boost capacity, such as an auxiliary engine or auxiliary troops. Ancillary suggests a supporting role attached to the main work, such as ancillary staff or ancillary costs.
What are ancillary costs?
They are the additional charges attached to a main purchase rather than the purchase itself, such as delivery, insurance, installation or legal fees. They are real costs, but they sit around the headline price.
How is ancillary pronounced?
British speakers usually stress the first syllable, AN-suh-luh-ree, while American speakers usually stress the second, an-SIL-uh-ree. Both are correct within their varieties.
What is the meaning of ancillary?
"ancillary" (adjective) means providing support to something more important, without being an essential part of it.
