noun

sundries

SUN-dreez/ˈsʌndriz/

Various small items, especially everyday goods.

Buttons, thread, cord, a key, and a cork form a collection of sundries.

Small assorted useful objects: spool, buttons, thimble, cord, plain key and cork grouped loosely, no text.

Etymology

sundrOld Englishseparately, apart

+iEnglishcharacterized by

+esEnglishplural

The idea of being separate or distinct developed into “several, various.” The plural noun gathers various small things under one convenient label, especially in accounts, rather than naming each separately.

More examples

She packs toothpaste, tissues, and other sundries in a small pouch.
We keep a drawer of sundries for quick household repairs.
The hotel gift shop carries snacks and travel sundries.

Forms

sundries

sundry adjective — Of various kinds; not individually specified.

Similar words

odds and ends: Often suggests leftover or unmatched items rather than everyday supplies.
supplies: Emphasizes items needed for a purpose, not necessarily small ones.