appliance
Americannoun
-
an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.
-
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.
-
the act of applying; application.
-
Archaic. a measure; stratagem.
-
Obsolete. compliance.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically
-
any piece of equipment having a specific function
-
a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"A Bright Idea" and "What Is Coding Anyway?"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 6
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
About 30 firefighters, four fire appliances and a height appliance remain at the scene.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Whirlpool last week noted heavy pressure on discretionary appliance sales but said that purchases made under “duress” — when equipment broke down — remained relatively steady.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
Initial gains turned to losses by midmorning for SharkNinja after the appliance maker reported first-quarter earnings.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
The turnaround was supported in part by appliance subscriptions and web-based platform services.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
He passed in front of the appliance repair shop, which was about to close.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
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.
