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
Derived 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
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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.
In April, it announced a “personal superintelligence,” called Muse Spark, designed to answer complex questions including how to repair a broken appliance from a photo, perform coding and process social data across every platform.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Midea, the home appliance maker, grew into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of air conditioners and other appliances after its founding in southern China in 1968, mostly making products for other brands.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
A total of nine pumping appliances, an aerial appliance, high volume pump and 60 firefighters are engaged in the firefighting operations.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
Workers outside the core chip divisions are expected to receive lower payouts, with local reports suggesting around 6 million won for those in smartphone and home appliance units.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
I know for certain that we will now have things to talk about in our weekly counseling sessions, because he's asked me to review every appliance in the place.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
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.
