Auxiliary

/ɔːɡˈzɪljəri/

adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Giving assistance; supplementary; additional.

/ɔːɡˈzɪljəri/

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General

Providing supplementary or additional help and support

They employed auxiliary police officers for crowd control.

💡 Simply: Providing extra help.

More Examples

2

The auxiliary power source kicked in when the main one failed.

How It's Used

Grammar

"The verb 'to be' is an auxiliary verb."

Military

"Auxiliary troops were called in to support the main army."

2

A person or thing providing supplementary help.

/ɔːɡˈzɪljəri/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A person or thing that provides supplementary help or support.

The hospital relied on auxiliary nurses during the pandemic.

💡 Simply: Someone or something that helps.

More Examples

2

The company hired auxiliary staff during the busy season.

How It's Used

Military

"The main army was supported by auxiliary units."

Tip:Think of 'auxiliary' as an extra helper.

From Latin *auxiliaris, from *auxilium "help, aid."

The word has a long history in military contexts, referring to supporting forces.

Memory tip

Think of 'auxiliary' as extra help, like an auxiliary power source.

auxillaryauxilaryauxilliary

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written