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

Of the 13 categories tracked by the Census Bureau, five showed monthly sales declines, largely in categories hard hit by tariffs: electronics, appliances, and sporting goods.

Read more on Barron's

While consumers’ plans to buy appliances and electronics eased lower, they stayed above the year’s lows.

Read more on MarketWatch

The central government has rolled out targeted measures aimed at boosting purchases of cars, appliances and services.

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Amazon has been selling pricey electronics and appliances on its website for years, but those purchases are infrequent, said Josh Lowitz, a partner at Consumer Intelligence Retail Partners.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Called bonus depreciation, the tax break applies to purchases such as new carpeting or appliances for owners of rental properties, or new computer equipment or a vehicle for business owners.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• device 
• gadget 
• instrument 
• tool