appurtenance

ap·pur·te·nance | \ ə-ˈpərt-nən(t)s

, -ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s \

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

Examples of appurtenance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From them lamps projected at rakish angles, their bases embedded in the other appurtenances and items needed to convert dormitory rooms into homes-away-from home. — Martin Weil, Washington Post, "In the D.C. region, the signs are clear: Summer 2019 is nearing its end," 24 Aug. 2019 Or, underneath the cultural appurtenances of Hawaiian life, were the islanders behaving rationally and pragmatically, much as any other people might? — Louis Menand, The New Yorker, "How Cultural Anthropologists Redefined Humanity," 19 Aug. 2019 The 10-page petition was filed by the water authority to acquire a permanent and perpetual easement and right of way for underground water lines and related facilities, connections and appurtenances. — Karen Zurawski, Houston Chronicle, "Water authority takes Katy man to court pitting historic oak trees vs. pipeline," 31 July 2019 But proposed green belt-tightening among hoi polloi was not matched by a cutback in second and third homes, overseas vacations, luxury cars, private jets and high-tech appurtenances. — Victor Davis Hanson, The Mercury News, "Hanson: Why are Western middle classes revolting against the elites?," 13 June 2019 But proposed green belt-tightening among hoi polloi was not matched by a cutback in their second and third homes, overseas vacations, luxury cars, private jets, and high-tech appurtenances. — Victor Davis Hanson, National Review, "Why Are the Western Middle Classes So Angry?," 13 June 2019 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Appurtenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appurtenance. Accessed 29 Mar. 2020.

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More Definitions for appurtenance

appurtenance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of appurtenance

formal : an object that is used with or for something

See the full definition for appurtenance in the English Language Learners 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