Word
trapping
Phoneticstrap·ping, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹæpɪŋ/
UK/tɹˈæpɪŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the outward signs, objects, or features that are linked to a specific job, status, or way of life. These are often things you can see, like expensive clothes or fancy equipment.
n. the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a particular situation, role, or status. Often used in the plural to refer to the external indicators of wealth or power.
Examples
“He enjoys all the trappings of success, like his fast car.”
“Despite having all the trappings of a modern office, the company still relies on outdated paper filing systems.”
“The young heir found himself increasingly burdened by the formal trappings of his position, longing for a life defined by personal merit rather than inherited ceremony.”
Examples
simple
“He enjoys all the trappings of success, like his fast car.”
contextual
“Despite having all the trappings of a modern office, the company still relies on outdated paper filing systems.”
complex
“The young heir found himself increasingly burdened by the formal trappings of his position, longing for a life defined by personal merit rather than inherited ceremony.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in the plural form ('trappings'). Often followed by the preposition 'of' to specify the status or role being described.
Pitfall
the trapping of wealth
the trappings of wealth
When referring to the outward signs of status, the word is almost always used in the plural.
Real-World Examples
“Water and debris burst into a state-run hydropower tunnel in Uttarakhand following a landslide, trapping the construction workers inside.” “A group of settlers and soldiers set up a tent outside the home of Yousef Hassan’s family on Sunday afternoon, trapping him inside with his wife and two young daughters.” Etymology
From trap.
From Middle English trappyng, trappynge, from trap, trappe (“personal belongings, owndom, household goods”) (compare Middle English trappen (“to deck, caparison”)), of uncertain origin. Possibly from Anglo-Norman, from Medieval Latin trapus (“cloth”), from Frankish traba, trapa (“cloth, thread, rag”), from Proto-Germanic trabō, trafą, trēb (“fringe, rags”), from Proto-Indo-European drāp-, *drāb- (“rag”). Akin to Old High German traba (“fringe, tatters, thread”), Old Norse traf (“headscarf”). Compare Spanish trapo (“rag”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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