What does annex mean?
Annex functions as both a verb and a noun, and its two lives are strikingly different. As a verb, to annex is to incorporate something into a larger whole — most famously, when a state seizes foreign territory and declares it part of its own domain, as when empires annexed provinces through conquest or treaty. This political sense carries gravity and controversy; modern international law generally regards forcible annexation as illegitimate. The word can also be used more neutrally for attaching documents or adding items to a collection. As a noun, an annex is simply a supplementary building or extension joined to a main structure — a hotel annex housing overflow guests, for example. Derived from the Latin annectere ('to tie to'), via French, the word entered English in the early modern period. Its relatives include 'nexus' and 'connect', all rooted in the idea of binding things together. Whether describing geopolitical ambition or extra floor space, annex always concerns the act of joining something to something larger.
To add or attach something to a larger entity; especially, of a state, to take possession of a territory and incorporate it into one's own domain.
"The government formally annexed the disputed region last spring."
A building or section added to or adjoining a larger main building, typically providing additional space.
"The library's new annex opened to relieve crowded reading rooms."
Applies only to the noun form; the plural follows regular English -es formation.
"The school built two annexes to accommodate growing enrollment."
The word 'annex' has helped redraw world maps for centuries — every time a nation swallows its neighbor's land, this little Latin-rooted verb is doing the talking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of annex
Annex derives from the Latin verb annectere, meaning 'to bind or tie to', formed from ad- ('to') plus nectere ('to bind'), the same root that gives us 'nexus' and 'connect'. The word passed into English in the early 17th century, likely via French annexe, initially as a legal term for attaching documents or property before extending to territorial acquisition. Its cognates all share the theme of fastening or joining things together.
Related word forms
How annex is actually used
The verb carries formal, political, or legal weight when used of territory — annexation by force is widely condemned under international law today. The noun sense is more mundane and architectural. In British usage, 'annexe' is sometimes written for the noun, but 'annex' is standard in American English.
Easily confused with annex
Annexation is the formal act or process of annexing, whereas annex itself is either the verb describing that act or the noun for an added building.