Synonyms

trappings

American

[trap-ingz] / ˈtræp ɪŋz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

articles of equipment or dress, especially of an ornamental character.

Synonyms:

apparel, attire, raiment, costume
conventional adornment; characteristic signs.

trappings of democracy.
Sometimes trapping. an ornamental covering for a horse; caparison.

trappings British

/ ˈtræpɪŋz /

plural noun

the accessories and adornments that characterize or symbolize a condition, office, etc

the visible trappings of success
a ceremonial harness for a horse or other animal, including bridles, saddles, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of trappings

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; trap ², -ing ¹, -s ³

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the former military academy student has long shown a fascination for martial trappings, often surrounding himself with soldiers and visiting military sites.

From Barron's

Such were the trappings of “wealth” that consigned men to their death.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, Bass has been using the trappings of her office to promote her work, scheduling two State of the City speeches in a three-month span.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Housemaid” initially appears to have those trappings, slowly revealing that Nina is on a steady cocktail of antipsychotics after a trip to the psych ward.

From Salon

It was part of the trappings of Andrew's life of entitlement.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023