Meaning & use
accessories
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“accessories” is a form of “accessory”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Extra items that you wear or carry to complete an outfit, such as bags, belts, or jewelry.
Grammar: Usually plural. The singular 'accessory' is used for one item.
Patterns
- fashion accessories
- a range of accessories
- accessories for something
She bought a new dress and matching accessories.
The store sells shoes, bags, and other accessories.
He likes to keep his accessories simple: a watch and a belt.
nounpluraltechnical
Extra parts or devices that you add to a machine or system to make it more useful.
Grammar: Usually plural. Often used with 'computer', 'phone', or 'car'.
Patterns
- computer accessories
- phone accessories
- accessories for a device
The shop sells cables, chargers, and other phone accessories.
You can buy car accessories like GPS units and phone holders.
These accessories are not included with the camera.
Word forms
| singular | accessory |
|---|
Common combinations
- fashion accessories
- The boutique has a wide range of fashion accessories.
- computer accessories
- I need to buy some computer accessories for my new laptop.
- hair accessories
- She wore a simple dress with hair accessories.
- phone accessories
- The kiosk sells phone accessories like cases and chargers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- add-ons
- Add-ons are extra items for a machine or system; accessories can also be decorative items for clothing.
- extras
- Extras are additional items, often not essential; accessories are usually chosen to complete or enhance something.
Word family
- accessory noun
- One extra item that you wear or add.
- accessorize verb
- To add accessories to an outfit or room.
Commonly confused: accessories or accessary?
accessories vs accessary
Accessary is a rare legal term for a helper in a crime; the everyday word for extra items is 'accessory'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'accessories' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The first sentence uses 'accessories' as a plural noun for extra items. The second uses 'accessories' as a verb, which is wrong; the verb is 'accessorize'. The third has a plural noun with a singular verb. The fourth uses 'an' with a plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “accessories”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.