paraphernalia

American  

[par-uh-fer-neyl-yuh, -fuh-neyl-] / ˌpær ə fərˈneɪl yə, -fəˈneɪl- /

noun

1. (sometimes used with a singular verb) equipment, apparatus, or furnishing used in or necessary for a particular activity.

   a skier's paraphernalia.

   Synonyms:

   trappings

2. (used with a plural verb) personal belongings.

   Synonyms:

   effects

3. (used with a singular verb) the personal articles, apart from dower, reserved by law to a married woman.

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paraphernalia British  

/ ˌpærəfəˈneɪlɪə /

plural noun

1. miscellaneous articles or equipment

2. law (formerly) articles of personal property given to a married woman by her husband before or during marriage and regarded in law as her possessions over which she has some measure of control

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Other Word Forms

• paraphernal adjective
• paraphernalian adjective

Etymology

Origin of paraphernalia

1470–80; < Medieval Latin paraphernālia ( bona ) a bride's goods, beyond her dowry, equivalent to Late Latin paraphern ( a ) a bride's property (< Greek parápherna, equivalent to para- para- ¹ + phern ( ḗ ) dowry, derivative of phérein to bear ¹ + -a neuter plural noun suffix) + Latin -ālia, noun use of neuter plural of -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Tante Jans, who loved medical paraphernalia of every kind, took a tremendous fancy to the new doctor and from then on consulted him as often as her finances would permit.

From Literature

People who meet Reese in his brightly colored paraphernalia could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Today, Mexico City is home to animal-themed Capybara Burger, a store near the center square that sells nothing but capybara paraphernalia and several zoos where visitors can see or pet them.

From The Wall Street Journal

The filing cabinet rammed with club paraphernalia was emptied - except for one key document.

From BBC

There was a brief discussion of togas and other Roman paraphernalia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gear
• machinery
• regalia