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miscellaneous

adjective
mis·​cel·​la·​neous | \ ˌmi-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs How to pronounce miscellaneous (audio) , -nyəs\

Definition of miscellaneous

1 : consisting of diverse things or members : heterogeneous
2a : having various traits
b : dealing with or interested in diverse subjects as a writer I was too miscellaneous— George Santayana
Other Words from miscellaneous Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about miscellaneous

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Other Words from miscellaneous

miscellaneously adverb
miscellaneousness noun

Examples of miscellaneous in a Sentence

The coyotes, in other words, also munched rabbits, woodchucks, meadow mice, deer mice, jumping mice, and freelance miscellaneous booty like frogs and fallen apples and muskrats,  … — Edward Hoagland, Harper's, June 2007 The sandhogs' word for a miscellaneous happening in which a sandhog is injured is mishap. — Alec Wilkinson, Double Take, Summer 2001 … we came upon what must have been his camp, a rather elaborate shelter made of lashed saplings and covered with plastic sheeting; empty Clorox bottles were scattered around, along with rope, canned goods, and what Huck Finn would have called his traps—the miscellaneous pots, clothing, and whatnot that you lug around through life. — Franklin Burroughs, The River Home, 1992 a miscellaneous collection of tools the bottom of the drawer was always a miscellaneous accumulation of odds and ends
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The two suspects — described by the victims as black adult men, tall in stature — eventually fled the house, taking with them an old shotgun and some credit cards and other miscellaneous items, the detective said. — Sara Cardine, La Cañada Valley Sun, "Homeowner surprises Labor Day burglars, engages them in fist fight," 4 Sep. 2019 Ivan finds his footing only to mix it up with an assortment of predatory preachers, mercenary record producers, corrupt cops and miscellaneous hustlers. — J. Hoberman, New York Times, "‘The Harder They Come’: A Pop Classic That Has Hardly Faded," 22 Aug. 2019 Police say a camera, laptop, miscellaneous jewelry and a bag were reported missing. — Carly Mallenbaum, USA TODAY, "Alex Rodriguez posts happy photo with Jennifer Lopez and kids after reported car burglary," 13 Aug. 2019 The materials are also saturated with irrelevant documents—including miscellaneous news clippings, the daily schedule, and even the White House lunch menu. — Chuck Grassley, WSJ, "A Moment of Honesty From Chuck Schumer," 6 Aug. 2018 Someone stole a package containing $100 worth of miscellaneous clothing from a home in the 1000 block of North Austin Boulevard between 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13. — chicagotribune.com, "Oak Park police: Two men steal backpack, attack pedestrian along Lake Street," 20 Aug. 2019 The duo stole miscellaneous items from the health, beauty, deli and alcohol sections of the store, police said. — Robin Goist, cleveland.com, "Thieves’ pit bulls attack Acme grocery store employee in Akron, police say," 19 Aug. 2019 The female victim was allegedly robbed of miscellaneous property and cash, deputies said. — Erin Baldassari, The Mercury News, "Deputies searching for two suspects in robbery near Millbrae Caltrain station," 17 Aug. 2019 Luckily, Murphy has mastered the art of pantry organization — from storing cereal in clear containers to finding the perfect place for those miscellaneous items. — Stacia Affelt, Good Housekeeping, "How to Take Your Pantry From Zero to Hero," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'miscellaneous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of miscellaneous

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for miscellaneous

Latin miscellaneus, from miscellus mixed

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More Definitions for miscellaneous

miscellaneous

adjective
How to pronounce miscellaneous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of miscellaneous

: including many things of different kinds

See the full definition for miscellaneous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

miscellaneous

adjective
mis·​cel·​la·​neous | \ ˌmi-sə-ˈlā-nē-əs How to pronounce miscellaneous (audio) , -nyəs\

Kids Definition of miscellaneous

: consisting of many things of different sorts

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More from Merriam-Webster on miscellaneous

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with miscellaneous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for miscellaneous

Spanish Central: Translation of miscellaneous

Nglish: Translation of miscellaneous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of miscellaneous for Arabic Speakers

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