device

American  

[dih-vahys] / dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

• devices
  plural

1. a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

   Synonyms:

   gadget

2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

   Synonyms:

   design, project

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

   Synonyms:

   maneuver, stratagem, artifice, ruse, wile

4. 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.

5. a mobile device.

   Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.

   Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

6. something elaborately or fancifully designed.

7. a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.

8. a motto.

   Synonyms:

   legend, slogan

9. Archaic. devising; invention.

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device British  

/ dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

1. a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

2. euphemistic a bomb

3. a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick

4. any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

5. computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

6. a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc

7. a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader

8. archaic the act or process of planning or devising

9. to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

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device Idioms  

1. see leave to someone's own devices.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• devicefulness
  noun
• deviceful
  adjective
• devicefully
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• devices
  plural

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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

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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.”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

device devices

State officials and a device supplier acknowledge some glitches caused by “GPS drift,” in which the device picks up lower speed limits on nearby roads.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

And while that makes them easier to control remotely, in theory, any device which goes online can potentially be exploited by malicious actors.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

Rather than using medications to influence how the body processes glucose, an electronic device could directly control the amount of glucose available.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Several drivers represented by lawyer Andrew Flusche chose a device over a commuting-only license suspension.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

Although I did not have the boy-Human to assist me, I completed the assembly of this all-important device with ease, pausing for only three brisk naps.

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth

Cohen pointed out that revenue from China, wearables and home devices all came in lower than analysts were expecting.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Kahn noted during the call that most Apple devices are still seeing supply constraints driven in part by difficulty in getting enough microprocessors with "advanced nodes."

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

He advised consumers to keep devices updated and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

Think of it as speeding’s version of ignition-interlock devices, which force people convicted of DUI to pass a breathalyzer test to start the engine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

This allowed her to spread out with her laptop while she charged her other devices.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

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Related Words

• accessory
• apparatus
• appliance
• equipment
• gadget
• gear
• machine
• material
• mechanism

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