-ary

1 of 2

noun suffix

 US usually  ˌer-ē,
 or  when an unstressed syllable precedes ˌe-rē,
ə-rē,
 or  when a stressed syllable precedes ;
 British usually  ə-rē,
 or  in all cases
1
: thing belonging to or connected with
especially : place of
ovary
2
: person belonging to, connected with, or engaged in
functionary

-ary

2 of 2

adjective suffix

: of, relating to, or connected with
budgetary

Word History

Etymology

Noun suffix

Middle English -arie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French -aire, -arie, from Latin -arius, -aria, -arium, from -arius, adjective suffix

Adjective suffix

Middle English -arie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French -aire, from Latin -arius

Dictionary Entries Near -ary

Cite this Entry

“-ary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-ary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

-ary

1 of 2 noun suffix
 usually  ˌer-ē,
 after an unstressed syllable,  ə-rē,
 or  ,
 after a stressed syllable 
plural -aries
: thing or person belonging to or connected with
boundary

-ary

2 of 2 adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or connected with
legendary
Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -arius, -aria, -arium (noun suffix), from -arius (adjective suffix)

Adjective suffix

derived from Latin -arius (adjective suffix)

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