appurtenance

noun ap·pur·te·nance \ ə-ˈpərt-nən(t)s , -ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s \

|Updated on: 17 Aug 2018

Definition of appurtenance

1 appurtenances plural : accessory objects

the appurtenances of wealth

2 law : an incidental right (such as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it

3 : a subordinate part or adjunct

The appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony.
—William Shakespeare

See appurtenance defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of appurtenance from the Web

Yes, dear fathers and others born with the appurtenances generally designated male.

— natalie angier, New York Times, "Secrets of the Y Chromosome," 11 June 2018
On the one hand, the appurtenances suggest just another blah-blah conference: podium, screen, cookies, coffee.

— klara glowczewska, Town & Country, "Meet the Chinese Philanthropists Who Are Pledging Big Money to End Climate Change," 25 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appurtenance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of appurtenance

see appurtenant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

APPURTENANCE Defined for English Language Learners

appurtenance

noun

Definition of appurtenance for English Language Learners

: an object that is used with or for something

Law Dictionary

appurtenance

noun ap·pur·te·nance \ ə-ˈpərt-ᵊn-əns \

legal Definition of appurtenance

: property (as an outbuilding or fixture) or a property right (as a right-of-way) that is incidental to a principal property and that passes with the principal property upon sale or transfer