Meaning of the word supernumerary in English

What does supernumerary mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

supernumerary

US /ˌsuː.pɚˈnuː.mə.rer.i/
UK /ˌsuː.pəˈnjuː.mər.ər.i/

Adjective

present in excess of the normal or requisite number; superfluous

Example:
The committee decided that the fifth member was supernumerary and could be dismissed.
They had a few supernumerary staff members after the merger.

Noun

a person or thing that is supernumerary

Example:
The play had several supernumeraries who just stood in the background.
He was hired as a supernumerary for the opera.