What does accoutrement mean?
An accoutrement is an accessory item of dress or equipment — something worn or carried as part of an outfit or kit, particularly in military, ceremonial, or formal contexts. A sword, sash, epaulette, or ornate buckle might each be described as an accoutrement of a soldier's uniform. By extension, the word is applied more loosely to any supplementary item characteristic of a role, activity, or lifestyle: one might speak of the accoutrements of office, of wealth, or of the equestrian world. The word almost always appears in the plural when referring to a collection of such items, and it tends to carry a formal, slightly literary register with connotations of elaborateness and status. Spelling varies by region: British English favours 'accoutrement', while American English commonly uses 'accouterment'. Derived from French, it ultimately traces back to the same root as 'couture', linking the vocabulary of military gear to that of high fashion.
An accessory item of dress or equipment; a supplementary piece of clothing or gear, especially as part of military or ceremonial attire.
"The knight's armour was completed by every accoutrement expected of his station."
Commonly used in the plural form 'accoutrements' to denote a set of such items.
Any supplementary or characteristic item associated with a particular activity, role, or status.
"He surrounded himself with the accoutrements of success — fast cars, designer suits, and a penthouse apartment."
The plural form is very common, often more so than the singular, since the word typically refers to collections of items rather than a single piece.
"The museum displayed the full accoutrements of a Napoleonic cavalry officer."
The word for your fanciest accessories comes from the same French root that gave us 'couture' — so your accoutrements are literally cousins of high fashion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of accoutrement
Accoutrement derives from the French word 'accoutrement', meaning equipment or outfitting, which in turn comes from the verb 'accoutrer' (to equip or dress). The term entered English in the early 17th century, initially in military contexts to describe a soldier's gear and equipment. Its deeper roots lie in Old French, and it shares an origin with words related to 'couture' and tailoring, reflecting its connection to dress and adornment. The variant spelling 'accouterment' arose through phonetic adaptation in English usage.
Related word forms
How accoutrement is actually used
Often used in the plural ('accoutrements') to refer to a set or collection of such items. The spelling 'accoutrement' is standard in British English; American English frequently uses the variant 'accouterment' (with '-er-' rather than '-tre-'). The word carries a slightly formal or literary register and often connotes elaborateness, ceremony, or status. Frequently used figuratively to describe the trappings or paraphernalia of power, wealth, or profession.
Easily confused with accoutrement
An accomplishment is a completed achievement or skill, whereas an accoutrement is a physical accessory or piece of equipment.
An accompaniment is something that accompanies another thing (often music alongside a melody), while an accoutrement is specifically an item of dress or equipment.