Supernumerary starts off with the Latin prefix super-, "above". You may have heard of someone being born with supernumerary teeth, supernumerary fingers, or supernumerary toes. A supernumerary …

SUPERNUMERARY definition: being in excess of the usual, proper, or prescribed number; additional; extra. See examples of supernumerary used in a sentence.

SUPERNUMERARY definition: 1. in addition to the number usually needed: 2. an extra employee, actor, member of a society…. Learn more.

Dec 14, 2025 · supernumerary (plural supernumeraries) A person who works in a group, association, or public office without forming part of the regular staff (the numerary). [from early 17th c.] quotations …

Supernumerary actor, a performer in a film, television show, or stage production who has no role or purpose other than to appear in the background, more commonly referred to as an "extra"

When used as a noun, supernumerary means a temporary employee, additional society member, or extra manpower, usually in a function which has a temporary contract.

Supernumerary is an adjective that describes something there’s too much of. If a scheduling mishap results in three extra people showing up for work, then you have supernumerary staff.

Factsheet What does the word supernumerary mean? There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word supernumerary. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

1. Exceeding a fixed, prescribed, or standard number; extra: a supernumerary rib. 2. Exceeding the required or desired number or amount; superfluous: an employee who became supernumerary after …

Definition of supernumerary adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.