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
- reappliance noun
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 fire has now been extinguished however one fire appliance remains on scene to dampen down any hotspots."
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
Whirlpool sank 8.8% after the home appliance company announced public offerings of common stock and depositary shares.
From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026
They argue about why groceries cost more, why replacing an appliance feels painful and whether a vacation still fits the budget.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026
Other products, potentially factory machinery, appliance parts that contain additional metals, such as copper, and other intermediate goods, could receive a 25% tariff.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
I say, “David, no way. The last thing we need is you pulling apart another kitchen appliance and turning it into some robo chef.”
From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
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.
