Definition of ANCILLARY (original) (raw)
Did you know?
If you’re already familiar with ancillary, pull up a chair and help yourself to a side dish of trivia. The word comes from the Latin word ancilla, meaning "a female servant," which also gave us the rarer English word ancilla, meaning "an aid to achieving or mastering something difficult." While the English ancilla (which made its debut a couple of centuries after ancillary) is unlikely to be encountered except in very specialized contexts (such as philosophy or quantum computing), ancillary picks up on the notion of providing aid or support in a way that supplements something else. In particular, the word often describes something that is in a position of secondary importance, such as the "ancillary products in a company's line."
Examples of ancillary in a Sentence
The lockout rocked the NHL, but among the ancillary benefits has been the emergence of young players who apprenticed for an additional season in the minors … —
Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, 21 Nov. 2005 I am in love with a man who is in love with boats. As far as ancillary loves are concerned, I understand things could be worse. Sadly, I do not love boats. —Ann Patchett, Gourmet, May 2003 Traditionally museums have been built to house collections, and for ancillary functions such as storage, conservation, administration, and education. —Jayne Merkel, Wilson Quarterly, Winter 2002 Paleolithic hunters and gatherers obtained an abundance of complete protein, mostly from wild game; their vegetable foods were an ancillary protein source. This pattern prevailed until agriculture transformed it, shifting the human diet away from meat and toward plant food. —S. Boyd Eaton et al., The Paleolithic Prescription, 1988
The company hopes to boost its sales by releasing ancillary products.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fox’s last Super Bowl telecast, in 2023, generated around $600 million in total ad revenue tied to the main event and ancillary programming. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 Such is the ancillary revenue waterfall for theatrical releases. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 The construction phase has generated thousands of jobs, while the long-term operation of the rail system promises to sustain employment and create ancillary industries. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 All of Canyon Ranch Tucson's meals at both its central restaurant, Vaquero, and ancillary eateries, like the poolside Double U Cafe, are carefully curated to maximize nutrients and minimize nasties. —Amelia Edelman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ancillary 
Word History
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of ancillary was in 1663
Dictionary Entries Near ancillary
Cite this Entry
“Ancillary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancillary. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on ancillary
Last Updated: 3 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!