paraphernalia

[ par-uh-fer-neyl-yuh, -fuh-neyl- ]

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) Law. the personal articles, apart from dower, reserved by law to a married woman.

paraphernalia

/ 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

Other Words From

• para·pher·nalian par·a·pher·nal [par-, uh, -, fur, -nl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphernalia¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphernalia¹

C17: via Medieval Latin from Latin parapherna personal property of a married woman, apart from her dowry, from Greek, from para- ¹+ phernē dowry, from pherein to carry

Example Sentences

The man, who prosecutors describe as being unhoused, was walking on medical center property holding a clear glass pipe that the officer suspected was drug paraphernalia, according to a sentencing memo filed in federal court.

From Los Angeles Times

And it imbues the foodstuffs, home goods, clothes, paraphernalia and tchotchkes that hail from here with a sort of unquantifiable, ineffable, sun-kissed, surf-adjacent vibe that wraps around you like a cartoon bear hug.

From Los Angeles Times

But she was arrested nearby and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and making criminal threats, both misdemeanors.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Woods said Mr Skripal had vomited and she had checked the area for drug paraphernalia, but never considered he might have been deliberately poisoned.

From BBC

It’s two floors and every inch is occupied, with maybe a hundred people decked out in Dodgers paraphernalia.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gear
• machinery
• regalia