Meaning & use
accoutrements
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“accoutrements” is a form of “accoutrement”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralformal
Extra items or accessories that naturally accompany the main thing, such as tools, decorations, side dishes, or clothing details.
Grammar: Usually plural; the singular accoutrement is rare, so learners should use the plural for normal lists of accompanying items.
Patterns
- the accoutrements of something
- with/without the usual accoutrements
- all the accoutrements
The picnic table was covered with the accoutrements of lunch: napkins, small plates, olives, and cold water.
She photographed the old camera together with its leather case and other accoutrements.
I prefer plain toast without the accoutrements of butter, jam, and powdered sugar.
Common combinations
- the usual accoutrements
- The soup arrived with the usual accoutrements of bread, herbs, and lemon.
- accoutrements of modern life
- Phones, chargers, and cables are the accoutrements of modern life.
- all the accoutrements
- He unpacked all the accoutrements of the fishing trip from the garage.
Synonyms and how they differ
- accessories
- Best for objects that complete or improve something; accoutrements sounds more formal or playful.
- extras
- A neutral word for additional things; it does not suggest the same formal, picture-forming tone.
- trimmings
- Often used for food or decorative additions; less suitable for equipment or tools.
- paraphernalia
- Suggests a scattered collection of related objects, sometimes bulky or excessive.
Word family
- accoutrement noun
- Singular base form, meaning one accompanying item or the general idea of equipment.
Commonly confused: accoutrements or accouterments?
accoutrements vs accouterments
This is the usual American spelling of the same plural noun; accoutrements is the British/French-style spelling given here.
Practice
Choose the best sentence using “accoutrements” naturally.
Choose one answer.
Accoutrements are accompanying items, so tools in a work bag fit naturally. Option 3 wrongly treats the noun like the adjective accredited, and option 4 uses accredit as a verb with the wrong noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “accoutrements”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.