# ancillary

/ˈænsəˌɫɛɹi/ (US) · /ˈænsɪləɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ancillary
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

providing extra help or support to something more important. You use this to describe things that are secondary or additional to the main part.

For teachers: providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organisation, institution, or system. Often describes services, costs, or staff that are subordinate to the main purpose.

## Examples

- The hotel offers ancillary services like laundry and airport transfers.
- While the main goal is education, the school provides ancillary support through counseling and career advice.
- The court ruled that the ancillary evidence, though not central to the crime itself, was necessary to establish a pattern of behavior by the defendant.

## Usage notes

- Typically precedes the noun it modifies; frequently used in formal, legal, or technical contexts.

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