personal effects

plural noun

: privately owned items (such as clothing and jewelry) normally worn or carried on the person

Examples of personal effects in a Sentence

put all of your personal effects in the bin so that they can be x-rayed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Excavators also found remnants of medieval trade, including coins, trade tokens and even personal effects like combs and clothing buckles. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Both California and Texas license plates are in the auction, along with several furniture pieces and personal effects. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2025 Helgelien’s questions — and his discovery of his brother’s personal effects — led authorities to begin digging on the property. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 The victim's friends were able to traipse through the crime scene to collect personal effects. Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for personal effects

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal effects was in 1818

Cite this Entry

“Personal effects.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20effects. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

personal effects

plural noun
: privately owned items (as clothing or jewelry) normally worn or carried on the person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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