charger
1 Americannoun
-
a platter.
-
a large, shallow dish for liquids.
noun
-
a person or thing that charges
-
a large strong horse formerly ridden into battle
-
a device for charging or recharging an accumulator or rechargeable battery
noun
Etymology
Origin of charger1
First recorded in 1475–85; charge + -er 1
Origin of charger2
First recorded in 1275–1325, charger is from the Middle English word chargeour. See charge, -or 2
Explanation
A charger is the accessory you plug into your phone or laptop when the battery power is low. If you're bringing your digital camera with you on vacation, it's important to remember your charger. Devices that are powered by rechargeable or internal batteries need a charger to keep that battery working. When you plug a laptop charger into an outlet, a jolt of electricity recharges the laptop battery's cells. An entirely different kind of charger is a war horse — a large, sturdy animal that was trained to carry soldiers in battle. This is the 18th century meaning of charger, and it's based on the verb charge and its meaning "rush into battle."
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.
"When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water," she said.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
A meme circulated portraying the Luce with iPhone applications photo-shopped onto the top, and another showing the car upside down and plugged into an iPhone charger.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
"Those disembarking will only be allowed to take with them a small, sealed bag containing essential items such as their documentation, mobile phone, charger, basic necessities and personal belongings."
From BBC • May 9, 2026
Southwest also recently limited travelers to one portable charger each.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
I rub my face and tug my phone out of the charger.
From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli
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.
