sundry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal or somewhat literary in modern use; common in fixed phrases and in business/accounting contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sundry” mean?
Of various kinds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of various kinds; several or miscellaneous, not all alike.
Used to refer to a collection of various items or people that do not fit into other specified categories; often implies a minor, diverse assortment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly. The noun "sundries" is slightly more common in British English in contexts like "stationery sundries" or pub/restaurant bills.
Connotations
In both, carries a slightly old-fashioned or bureaucratic tone outside fixed phrases.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in British English, particularly in the phrase "all and sundry."
Grammar
How to Use “sundry” in a Sentence
[sundry] + plural nounall and sundry[noun] and sundry [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sundry” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The shop sells sundry electrical goods and fittings.
- We discussed sundry matters before the main meeting.
American English
- The report addressed the main points and sundry other issues.
- She packed sundry items for the trip into a small bag.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common on invoices or reports under 'Sundries' for miscellaneous, small-value items.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or literary texts.
Everyday
Limited; mostly in the fixed idiom 'all and sundry'.
Technical
Not typical in technical fields outside general administrative/accounting terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sundry”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a sundry' – incorrect).
- Using with a singular noun (e.g., 'sundry item' – should be 'sundry items').
- Confusing spelling with 'sandy' or 'sundry' as an adverb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's relatively low-frequency and has a formal or slightly old-fashioned feel, except in the fixed phrase 'all and sundry' and in business contexts ('sundries').
No, it is almost always used with a plural noun (e.g., sundry items, sundry people) because it refers to an indefinite number of miscellaneous things.
They are close synonyms, but 'sundry' is more formal and often implies the items are of minor importance or are the leftover items that don't fit into other main categories. 'Various' is more neutral and common.
It means 'everyone, without exception' or 'people of all kinds'. It emphasizes that something is known or told to a very wide, indiscriminate group.
Of various kinds.
Sundry is usually formal or somewhat literary in modern use; common in fixed phrases and in business/accounting contexts. in register.
Sundry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌndri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌndri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All and sundry (everyone, without distinction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUNny day where you hang up DRY (DRY) various (sundry) items of laundry. Sundry = various items hung out to dry.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLLECTION AS A CATCH-ALL BAG (Sundries are items tossed into a bag because they don't belong elsewhere).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sundries' MOST appropriately used?