appliance

American  

[uh-plahy-uhns] / əˈplaɪ əns /

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.

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verb (used with object)

applianced, appliancing

1. to equip with appliances.

   a fully applianced kitchen.

appliance British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• reappliance noun

Etymology

Origin of appliance

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

Example Sentences

Dyson, popular for its line of premium hair dryers and home appliances, moved its manufacturing from the UK to Malaysia in 2002.

From BBC

Several residents who had to abandon their homes returned to the neighborhood to retrieve furniture, appliances, mattresses, and even pets they had left behind.

From Barron's

Businesses like Home Depot and Lowe’s that sell furniture and appliances would also likely benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal

The demand is all the more surprising given that home sales—a big driver of furniture and appliance imports—are sputtering.

From The Wall Street Journal

Boasting her cuisine center, Lorenze revealed that it has grey cabinets, a large island, state-of-the-art appliances, and patterned ceilings that flood into the kitchen’s backsplash.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• device
• gadget
• instrument
• tool