noun

appurtenances

uh-PUR-tuh-nuhn-siz

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Appurtenances (noun) means the smaller items, accessories or equipment that go along with something larger and are needed to use it properly. Example: “He arrived with a tent, a stove and all the other appurtenances of a long hike.”

noun

The smaller items, accessories or equipment that go along with something larger and are needed to use it properly.

"He arrived with a tent, a stove and all the other appurtenances of a long hike."

"The kitchen came with every appurtenance a serious cook could want."

legal In law, the rights, benefits and attachments that belong to a piece of land or property and pass automatically to a new owner with it, such as a right of way, a barn or a water supply.

"The deed conveys the cottage together with all appurtenances thereto."

"A shared driveway can be an appurtenance of the property rather than a separate asset."

How to use appurtenances

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe extra bits and pieces that come with something.

When to use it

Formal or legal. In everyday speech people say accessories, extras or trappings instead.

Memory tip

It is almost always plural, and in property documents it means rights attached to the land, not objects you can pick up.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

appurtenant apparatus → accoutrements

Common pairings

all the appurtenances of appurtenances thereto land and appurtenances appurtenances of office

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He arrived with a tent, a stove and all the other _____ of a long hike.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman and Old French apartenance, from Latin appertinere 'to belong to', from ad- 'to' plus pertinere 'to pertain'.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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accessories trappings paraphernalia fittings accoutrements

Related words

gear hardware furniture jewellery paraphernalia trappings finery furnishing

Rhymes for appurtenances

Frances finances Balances

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an appurtenance and a fixture?

A fixture is a physical item attached to the building itself, such as a fitted boiler or a bathroom sink. An appurtenance is broader: it covers anything that belongs to the property and passes with it, including intangible rights like an easement or a right of way.

Is appurtenances ever singular?

Yes, appurtenance is the correct singular, though it is rare outside legal writing. In general use the word almost always appears in the plural.

What is the meaning of appurtenances?

"appurtenances" (noun) means the smaller items, accessories or equipment that go along with something larger and are needed to use it properly.

What is another word for appurtenances?

Other words for "appurtenances" include accessories, trappings, paraphernalia, fittings, accoutrements.

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gear hardware furniture jewellery paraphernalia trappings finery furnishing