adapter
Americannoun
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a person or thing that adapts.
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a connector for joining parts or devices having different sizes, designs, etc., enabling them to be fitted or to work together.
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Also called adapter plug. Also called plug adapter,. a device that connects an electrical plug to an outlet that has a different plug shape.
Last time I traveled, I brought the wrong adapter.
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Also called power adapter. Also called AC adapter,. a device with a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet and functions as an external power supply for a small or portable electronic device, usually converting AC current to DC.
I forgot to plug in the adapter, and my laptop died.
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an accessory to convert a machine, tool, or part to a new or modified use.
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Computers.
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an external device containing the necessary circuitry to connect to or work with another device or system.
a network adapter;
a wireless adapter;
a video adapter.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of adapter
Explanation
When you have two pieces of equipment that can't be connected directly, you may need an adapter to plug one into another. You might need an adapter to connect your cellphone to a computer. Computers, televisions, and cameras are just some of the devices that often require adapters to be charged or used in different ways. One common kind of adapter makes it possible to put a two-pronged plug into an outlet with three holes. A different way to use the word adapter is for a person who changes — or adapts — one work of art to fit in a different medium, like an adapter who writes an opera based on a comic book.
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.
Adapter Rachel Bennette leaves room for you to remain unsure — you will certainly be playing “Towards Zero: The Home Game,” if you are any sort of mystery fan.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025
To do that, open Device Manager and select Display Adapter.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2022
Price: ~$25 Get $10 off the charging pad on Amazon with code VERGE034 Amazon Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter V2 Someday everything will use USB-C.
From The Verge • Nov. 5, 2018
If you are in need of a more heavy-duty way to plug in larger electronics while overseas, the Bestek Universal Travel Adapter comes highly recommended.
From Slate • Jul. 12, 2018
Adapter and translator of several works of the period.
From Terribly Intimate Portraits by Loraine, Lorn
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.
