appliance

[uh-plahy-uhns]

noun

1. an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.

2. a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.

3. the act of applying; application.

4. Archaic.,  a measure; stratagem.

5. Obsolete.,  compliance.

verb (used with object)

applianced, appliancing 

1. to equip with appliances.

   a fully applianced kitchen.

appliance

/ əˈplaɪəns /

noun

1. a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically

2. any piece of equipment having a specific function

3. a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose

4. another name for a fire engine

Other Word Forms

• reappliance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appliance¹

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

Example Sentences

A column that explores the most confusing, infuriating and confounding systems, appliances and aspects of your home.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

As a younger man, Nathan ran a pawn shop, promoted professional wrestling and operated a photo and appliance store.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit can offset the cost for electric upgrades for homes with aging systems or homeowners looking to buy new appliances.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Retained firefighters - predominantly based in rural areas with a lower population density than bigger cities - are on-call emergency responders who live near their local fire station and jump in an appliance when needed.

Read more on BBC

He is now at the helm of a £564m UK empire selling a host of big and small household appliances from TVs, laptops and phones, to fridge freezers, washing machines, kettles and toasters.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• device 
• gadget 
• instrument 
• tool