appendices: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “appendices” mean?
The plural form of 'appendix', referring to multiple supplementary sections or materials at the end of a book or document.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'appendix', referring to multiple supplementary sections or materials at the end of a book or document.
Can also refer to multiple appendices (vermiform appendices) in anatomical contexts, although 'appendices' is less common than 'appendixes' in this meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties accept 'appendices' for textual additions. In American English, 'appendixes' is slightly more common for all meanings, especially anatomical. In British English, 'appendices' strongly predominates for books/documents.
Connotations
'Appendices' sounds more formal and academic; 'appendixes' sounds more general or medical.
Frequency
In UK academic writing, 'appendices' is the standard plural for supplementary sections. In US academic writing, both occur, with 'appendices' still very common.
Grammar
How to Use “appendices” in a Sentence
The report contains several appendices.Refer to appendices A and B.The appendices include supplementary data.Appendices are provided for further reading.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “appendices” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author appends several documents.
- We will append the data tables.
American English
- The study appends a full survey.
- They appended the contract copies.
adverb
British English
- [No direct adverbial form derived from 'appendices']
American English
- [No direct adverbial form derived from 'appendices']
adjective
British English
- The appendicular skeleton.
- Appendiceal tissue (medical).
American English
- The appendicular region.
- An appendiceal abscess (medical).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports, business plans, and proposals to refer to supporting data, charts, or legal documents attached at the end.
Academic
Common in theses, dissertations, and research papers for supplementary data, questionnaires, transcripts, or detailed calculations.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used when discussing long documents.
Technical
Used in technical manuals, engineering reports, and scientific publications for additional specifications, code, or raw data.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “appendices”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “appendices”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “appendices”
- Using 'appendices' as a singular (e.g., 'an appendices').
- Misspelling as 'appendicies'.
- Using 'appendices' for a single section (should be 'appendix').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct plurals of 'appendix'. 'Appendices' is more traditional and preferred in formal/academic writing for textual additions. 'Appendixes' is common, especially in American English and for the anatomical meaning.
Use the singular 'appendix' followed by a letter or number: e.g., 'See Appendix A' or 'as shown in Appendix 1'. You would not say 'See Appendices A'.
Yes, the term is perfectly applicable to digital documents, PDFs, and online reports that have supplementary sections at the end.
To provide supplementary, supporting, or detailed information that is important for completeness but would disrupt the flow of the main text if included within it.
The plural form of 'appendix', referring to multiple supplementary sections or materials at the end of a book or document.
Appendices is usually formal/academic in register.
Appendices: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɛndɪsiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɛndɪsiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this plural form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Appendices' end with '-ices' like 'indices' (another formal plural), both found at the END of books.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR EXTRAS (The appendices hold the additional material that wouldn't fit in the main container of the text).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'appendices' MOST appropriate?