appurtenance

noun

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

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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Statistics for appurtenance

Last Updated

17 Aug 2018

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Time Traveler for appurtenance

The first known use of appurtenance was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for appurtenance

appurtenance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of appurtenance

: 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