supplement

[ noun suhp-luh-muhnt; verb suhp-luh-ment ]

noun

1. something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.
2. a part added to a book, document, etc., to supply additional or later information, correct errors, or the like.

   Synonyms: epilogue, addendum, postscript

3. a part, usually of special character, issued as an additional feature of a newspaper or other periodical.
4. Geometry. the quantity by which an angle or an arc falls short of 180° or a semicircle.

verb (used with object)

1. to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement.
2. to form a supplement or addition to.
3. to supply (a deficiency).

supplement

noun

1. an addition designed to complete, make up for a deficiency, etc
2. a section appended to a publication to supply further information, correct errors, etc
3. a magazine or section inserted into a newspaper or periodical, such as one with colour photographs issued every week
4. geometry
   1. either of a pair of angles whose sum is 180°
   2. an arc of a circle that when added to another arc forms a semicircle Abbreviationsupsupp

verb

1. tr to provide a supplement to, esp in order to remedy a deficiency

Derived Forms

• ˌsupplemenˈtation, noun
• ˈsuppleˌmenter, noun

Other Words From

• supple·menter noun
• un·supple·mented adjective
• well-supple·mented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplēmentum “that by which anything is made full,” equivalent to sup- sup- + plē- (stem of plēre “to fill”; full ¹ ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

C14: from Latin supplēmentum, from supplēre to supply ¹

Synonym Study

See appendix. See complement.

Example Sentences

However, tipping practices also sparked debates about fairness and inequality as employers increasingly relied on tips to supplement low wages, leaving workers dependent on unpredictable gratuities.

From Salon

Former CNN President Jeff Zucker originally hired Wallace to work at CNN+, the company’s initial attempt at a streaming service to supplement its cable business.

From Los Angeles Times

There is some food aid, but many in the area survive by foraging for water lily roots and fish to supplement their rations.

From BBC

Rachel Springall, of Moneyfacts, said: "Savers are the ones who feel the force of cuts to interest rates. Those savers who use their interest to supplement their income will feel overlooked if rates plummet."

From BBC

In 1952, San Francisco and Antioch became the first communities in California to supplement naturally occurring levels of fluoride in their drinking water, after a raft of studies showing that the mineral made teeth enamel stronger and more resistant to acid.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• additive