appliance

American  

[uh-plahy-uhns] / əˈplaɪ əns /

noun

• appliances
  plural

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 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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reappliance
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• appliances
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of appliance

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

---

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."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

appliance appliances

New products and international growth could help the appliance maker extend its rally, Jefferies analyst Randal Konik argues.

From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026

It was inside that kitchen that the boxing champion filmed commercials promoting his namesake grill, the kitchen appliance that helped turn him into a household name beyond the world of sports.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement that multiple crews were at the scene, along with an appliance from County Durham and Darlington.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

Spending in other discretionary categories, such as electronics and appliance stores rose by 1.6%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

I’ve spent the last hour in her bedroom, letting her knock herself out with every hair appliance ever invented.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

At the center of the home is a chef’s kitchen outfitted with contemporary cabinetry, premium stainless-steel appliances, and an oversized waterfall-style island.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026

On Saturday evening, she talked to a crowd at a brewery about restoring shop class to junior high schools and creating measures that facilitate repairing rather than replacing electronics and appliances.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026

Sean Cayford, a firefighter in Bridgend, said crews were told in mid August that there were no pumps or fire appliances available across the brigade's entire region.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

One of Beijing’s main efforts to perk up spending in the past couple of years has been a program offering subsidies for consumers to replace old household appliances and other products with new ones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

Len Kato and Johnny Kobashigawa traveled island roads in a three-ton haying truck hauling loads of furniture, packing crates, and appliances to the Japanese Community Center hall.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• device
• gadget
• instrument
• tool

---