English · Word Candidate

auxiliary

/ɔːɡˈzɪl.(j)ə.ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: auxiliaries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Helping; giving assistance or support.

Adjective

Examples

auxiliary troops

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Supplementary or subsidiary.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person or group that acts in an auxiliary manner.

Noun

Examples

Auxiliaries and ancillaries are comprehensive, and include a Westinghouse motor-driven recriprocating compressor used for locomotive braking and general service air, two rotary exhauster sets for train brakes when hauling passenger or fitted freight trains, and an oil-fired train heating boiler.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A sailing vessel equipped with an engine.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “auxiliary” mean?

Helping; giving assistance or support.

Is “auxiliary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.