Paraphernalia — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌper-ə-fər-ˈnāl-yə/ par·a·pher·na·lia

Meaning & Definition of Paraphernalia

Paraphernalia (noun)

  1. articles of equipment designed for a particular use or activity, apparatus
  2. items or features typically associated with a particular activity, subject, etc., appurtenances
  3. personal belongings

Paraphernalia (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. items needed for the performance of a task or activity

    "mountain-climbing paraphernalia"

    similar: accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware, kit (chiefly British), material(s), matériel, outfit, stuff, tackle
    related: accessories, appurtenances, attachments, fittings, baggage, belongings, impedimenta, appliances, facilities, instruments, machinery, tools, apparel, attire, habiliments, raiment, trappings, armamentarium, armory, arsenal, battery, assets, resources

  2. transportable items that one owns

    "packed up all of their paraphernalia for the move across the country"

    similar: belongings, chattels, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, personal effects, personal property, personalty, plunder (chiefly dialect), possession, stuff, things
    related: treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles, collateral
    near: immovables, real estate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Paraphernalia

The most common words with a similar meaning to Paraphernalia:

Chiefly British: kit
Chiefly dialect: plunder
accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware, material(s), matériel, outfit, stuff, tackle, belongings, chattels, duds, effects, goods, holdings, movables, personal effects, personal property, personalty, possession, things

Related Words for Paraphernalia

accessories, appurtenances, attachments, fittings, baggage, impedimenta, appliances, facilities, instruments, machinery, tools, apparel, attire, habiliments, raiment, trappings, armamentarium, armory, arsenal, battery, assets, resources, treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles

Near Antonyms of Paraphernalia

immovables, real estate

Origin & Etymology of Paraphernalia

Medieval Latin, ultimately from Greek parapherna bride's property beyond her dowry, from para- + phernē dowry, from pherein to bear bear

First known use: 1651

Frequently Asked Questions about Paraphernalia

What does "Paraphernalia" mean?

"Paraphernalia" means articles of equipment designed for a particular use or activity, apparatus. As a noun, it is defined as: articles of equipment designed for a particular use or activity, apparatus. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Paraphernalia"?

Other words for "Paraphernalia" include accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware, kit, material(s) and matériel. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Paraphernalia" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Paraphernalia"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Paraphernalia". Common alternatives include accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware, kit, material(s), matériel, outfit and stuff.

How do you use "Paraphernalia" in a sentence?

Examples of "Paraphernalia" in a sentence: "mountain-climbing paraphernalia"; "packed up all of their paraphernalia for the move across the country".

Is "Paraphernalia" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Paraphernalia" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Paraphernalia"?

"Paraphernalia" is pronounced /ˌper-ə-fər-ˈnāl-yə/ and divided into syllables as par·a·pher·na·lia.

What is the origin of the word "Paraphernalia"?

"Paraphernalia" comes from Medieval Latin, ultimately from Greek parapherna bride's property beyond her dowry, from para- + phernē dowry, from pherein to bear bear. First known use: 1651.

What is another word for "Paraphernalia" meaning "items needed for the performance of a task or activity"?

When "Paraphernalia" (noun) means items needed for the performance of a task or activity, synonyms include accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, gear, hardware and kit.