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 Word Forms

• 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

We bought matching T-shirts and stocked up on loads of snacks and paraphernalia.

From Los Angeles Times

The investigation also found that, on two separate occasions in August, Morales had cited individuals for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, then lied about how he disposed of the items.

From Los Angeles Times

A search of their vehicle yielded the drugs, hypodermic needles and other related paraphernalia, according to authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

Schmidt already had a criminal history of burglary when she was arrested in 2020 and charged with identity theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the weekend, he sold Women’s March paraphernalia and rainbow Pride flag gear outside a protest march on the National Mall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gear
• machinery
• regalia