appliance
Americannoun
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an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.
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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.
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the act of applying; application.
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Archaic. a measure; stratagem.
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Obsolete. compliance.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically
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any piece of equipment having a specific function
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a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose
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another name for a fire engine
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of appliance
Explanation
An appliance is a tool or device that performs a certain job. Your toaster is an appliance, and so is your dishwasher. Your dog? Not so much. Most modern homes are full of appliances that perform various useful tasks — or help you perform them. A hairdryer is an appliance that dries your hair, and a television is an appliance that offers hours of mindless entertainment. The earliest meaning of the word was "action of putting into use," from the verb apply, with its Latin root, applicare, which figuratively means "devote oneself to" or "give attention."
Vocabulary lists containing appliance
List 2
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"A Bright Idea" and "What Is Coding Anyway?"
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List 6
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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.
The appliance maker is hiring about 200 “AI-forward” graduates and interns this year, including about 10 from the hackathon.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
A total of nine pumping appliances, an aerial appliance, high volume pump and 60 firefighters are engaged in the firefighting operations.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
And it could just be a narrow band of affluent consumers who are upgrading their appliances and home kitchens, while other customers are holding out until they need to replace a broken appliance, Silverman said.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
The appliance maker cut its earnings guidance in half as historically low consumer confidence steers people away from its higher-end products.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Only two jobs listed, one for an appliance salesman and some woman who wants her house painted.
From "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
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.
