device
Americannoun
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a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
- Synonyms:
- gadget
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a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.
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a crafty scheme; trick.
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a particular word pattern, figure of speech, combination of word sounds, etc., used in a literary work to evoke a desired effect or arouse a desired reaction in the reader.
rhetorical devices.
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Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.
Don't leave your devices in a hot car.
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something elaborately or fancifully designed.
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a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
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a motto.
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Archaic. devising; invention.
noun
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a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance
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euphemistic a bomb
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a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick
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any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery
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computer hardware that is designed for a specific function
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a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc
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a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader
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archaic the act or process of planning or devising
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to leave someone alone to do as he wishes
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of device
First recorded in 1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis “discourse, division” and devise “heraldic device, will,” both from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus “divided, separated”; see divisible
Explanation
A device is really anything that has a specific use. It might be a tool or object, or a plan that is devised to accomplish something. If it has a purpose, it is a device. A device is a noun that can be used to describe anything, simple or complex, that is used for a specific purpose. You might have one device for opening bottles, and another for opening cans. You probably even have a device for turning on your TV. While these have specific names (bottle opener, can opener, remote), you can cover each with the generic term device. We can see its root in the Old French word devis, which meant “purpose” or “contrivance.”
Vocabulary lists containing device
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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The Ingenious Lexicon of Invention
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite strong quarterly results, shares sold off at the start of May after the medical device maker guided to weaker-than-expected second-quarter U.S. sales of its Omnipod insulin pump.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
With a chance to add to his trophy case on Saturday, Kroenke won’t be sweating this outcome on a hand-held device.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
The Watchman device is designed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Kahana advised not to jump in after anyone who falls into water and to instead call 999 for help before throwing them a buoyancy device if one is available.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
Throughout the two months that the innovative device operated, it used at least a half-million pounds of ice.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
