English Reference

Word

trappings

Phoneticstrap·pings

US/ˈtɹæpɪŋz/

UK/tɹˈæpɪŋz/

Definition

n. the things that make something look official, fancy, or impressive. You use this word when talking about the visible signs of a person's status or a place's style.

n. the external signs or outward appearances of something, such as a person's status or a place's character. Often refers to the physical or visual elements that give an impression of wealth, power, or formality.

Examples

“The office has all the trappings of success.”

“Despite the lack of real power, the governor's mansion was filled with the trappings of high office.”

“The ceremony was designed to include all the traditional trappings of the event, from the elaborate uniforms to the formal music, to ensure a sense of historical continuity.”

Examples

simple

“The office has all the trappings of success.”

contextual

“Despite the lack of real power, the governor's mansion was filled with the trappings of high office.”

complex

“The ceremony was designed to include all the traditional trappings of the event, from the elaborate uniforms to the formal music, to ensure a sense of historical continuity.”

Real-World Examples

“Thrust into the political wilderness the party's national leaders were bewildered - familiar with the trappings of federal power they had to work out what to do in opposition.”
BBC News · 20 Aug 2026
“Amid the silent comedy, there is a Yankee Doodle energy and the trappings of Americana.”
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026

Etymology

From trapping.

From trap.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/trappings

English Reference