Definition of "incidental" in English

adjective

1. Loosely associated; of limited relevance except indirectly; only accidentally related.

   • That character, though colorful, is incidental to the overall plot.
   • incidental evidence

2. Existing tangentially, being a byproduct, a tangent, or a likely consequence.

   • Injuries are incidental to contact sports: they're going to happen.

3. Occurring by chance.

4. (physics, of radiation) Entering or approaching, prior to reflection (more frequently incident).

noun

1. Minor items, not further defined. Incidental expense.

   • She's costing us a lot in incidentals.

2. Something that is incidental.