# accessory

/ækˈsɛsɝi/ (US) · /ɐksˈɛsəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accessory
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fashion or equipment

noun · CEFR B1

an extra item you wear or use to complete an outfit or a piece of equipment.

For teachers: a subordinate or supplementary item that enhances the functionality or aesthetic of a primary object, such as clothing or hardware.

- She bought a silk scarf as an accessory for her new dress.
- The camera comes with several accessories, including a waterproof case and a tripod, to suit different shooting environments.

### 2. legal helper in a crime

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

someone who helps another person commit a crime, but is not the main person doing it.

For teachers: a person who assists in the commission of a crime or helps the perpetrator avoid capture, without being present as a principal actor.

- He was charged with being an accessory to the robbery because he drove the getaway car.
- The prosecution argued that by providing the blueprints, the defendant acted as an accessory before the fact to the bank heist.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'accessory to' followed by the specific crime.

### 3. secondary or additional

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

describing something that is extra and not the most important part.

For teachers: functioning in a secondary, supplementary, or subordinate capacity to a principal element.

- The building has several accessory rooms used for storage rather than living.
- The report focused on the primary causes of the failure, dismissing the accessory factors as statistically insignificant to the final outcome.

## Examples

- She bought a red belt as an accessory for her dress.
- The new smartphone comes with several accessories, including a fast charger and a protective silicone case.
- While the defendant did not enter the building, he was charged as an accessory for providing the tools used in the burglary and driving the getaway vehicle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.