supernumerary

adjective

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su·per·nu·mer·ary | \ ˌsü-pər-ˈnü-mə-ˌrer-ē

, -ˈnyü-, -mə-rē; -ˈn(y)üm-rē \

Definition of supernumerary

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number a supernumerary tooth

b : not enumerated among the regular components of a group and especially of a military organization

2 : exceeding what is necessary, required, or desired

3 : more numerous

supernumerary

noun

plural supernumeraries

Definition of supernumerary (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a supernumerary person or thing

2 : an actor employed to play a walk-on

Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About supernumerary

Examples of supernumerary in a Sentence

Adjective a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 The number of companions is limited to 24, although supernumerary members do not count towards this total. — Katie Campione, PEOPLE.com, 31 Dec. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun One of West Hartford’s earlier patrol officers, Martin McCue, started as a part-time supernumerary in 1929 and became a full-time officer a year later. — Don Stacom, courant.com, 12 Nov. 2020 As reported by ITV News, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Felipe VI of Spain are being invested as supernumerary, or Stranger Knights of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth in this year's ceremony. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 June 2019 Aside from work and travel, Mrs. Gradet was an extra — or supernumerary — in several productions of the Baltimore Opera, along with her husband and children. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, 20 May 2018 Broken into six-hour installments spaced out over two weeks, the hallucinatory concert extravaganza is being custom tailored, with local musicians, guest artists and glittery supernumeraries brought in for the occasion. — Charles Mcnulty, latimes.com, 14 Mar. 2018 History will be merciless to them, but how much fun to watch them reduced to thunderstruck supernumeraries in real time. — Frank Rich, Daily Intelligencer, 13 Sep. 2017 See More

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