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

The problem is blending hydrogen into pipelines and appliances designed for gas.

From Los Angeles Times

The Adobe Digital Price Index found that online prices posted their largest monthly increase in a dozen years in January, driven by higher prices for electronics, computers, appliances, furniture and bedding.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I think we need to look at our county jails, look at our city jails,” said Cornelison, who made her living selling large appliances.

From Los Angeles Times

Each eligible household can receive one energy-efficient cooking appliance, including an air fryer, along with access to free healthy cooking sessions.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• device
• gadget
• instrument
• tool