What does sundry mean?
Sundry means “of various kinds” or “miscellaneous,” and is most often used as an adjective before a noun, as in sundry items or sundry purposes. It has a formal, slightly old-fashioned tone, so a writer might choose it for variety or to suggest a collection of unlike things. The word can also function as a noun, though it then normally appears in the plural form sundries: a shop might sell sundries, meaning miscellaneous small goods. Although sundry can resemble Sunday in sound, their meanings are unrelated. In contemporary usage, various is often the more natural choice, but sundry remains useful when the focus is on the mixed or assorted nature of a collection rather than simply on plurality.
Of various kinds; diverse or assorted.
"The report discusses sundry issues affecting the local economy."
Commonly used before a noun, especially in formal or literary contexts.
Miscellaneous items or things of various kinds, normally used in the plural.
"The market stall sells sundries such as buttons, ribbons, and old postcards."
The singular form is uncommon; sundries is the usual form in current usage.
The noun is normally plural and refers to miscellaneous items or goods of different kinds.
"The shop sells sundries for the home and garden."
It sounds like Sunday, but sundry is much older and means 'of various kinds'—a surprising example of how common words can change meaning over time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sundry come from?
Sundry comes from Old English sūndri, originally an adverb meaning “apart” or “separately.” Its meaning developed into “different” and then “of various kinds.” The word is etymologically related to sunder, which survives in expressions such as asunder.
Related word forms
How sundry is actually used
Sundry is formal and somewhat literary, and is less common in everyday modern English than various or assorted. When used as a noun, it is normally plural.
Easily confused with sundry
Sunday names the day of the week, while sundry means various or assorted.