Annex vs. annexe

Photo of author

Grammarist

In American and Canadian English, annex is both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to append or attach. As a noun, it means (1) an extension to a main building, or (2) something added or annexed. In British English, the noun is sometimes spelled annexe. This spelling is virtually nonexistent in North American publications.

Examples

American and Canadian writers use annex as a noun and a verb—for example:

This time of year, the Columbia University Faculty Club becomes something of a Wall Street annex. [Los Angeles Times]

The law allowed Glendale to annex the land. [Arizona Republic]

This week she gave away hundreds of items as they vacated the second floor theatre and book annex. [Winnipeg Free Press]

In British publications, the noun is sometimes spelled annexe—for example:

On her first evening, Ellis was offered the annexe room off Lord Bath’s bedroom. [Telegraph]

And the detail referring to the “possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme” is contained in the annexe. [Guardian]

And sometimes it’s spelled annex—for example:

Only an annex built in recent years would qualify. [BBC News]

[T]he evidence gathered in a 12-page annex is hard to interpret in any other way. [The Economist]