device

American  

[dih-vahys] / dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

1. a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

   Synonyms:

   gadget

2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

   Synonyms:

   design, project

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

   Synonyms:

   maneuver, stratagem, artifice, ruse, wile

4. a particular word pattern, figure of speech, combination of word sounds, etc., used in a literary work to evoke a desired effect or arouse a desired reaction in the reader.

   rhetorical devices.

5. a mobile device.

   Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.

   Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

6. something elaborately or fancifully designed.

7. a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.

8. a motto.

   Synonyms:

   legend, slogan

9. Archaic. devising; invention.

---

device British  

/ dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

1. a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

2. euphemistic a bomb

3. a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick

4. any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

5. computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

6. a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc

7. a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader

8. archaic the act or process of planning or devising

9. to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

---

device Idioms  

1. see leave to someone's own devices.

---

Other Word Forms

• deviceful
  adjective
• devicefully
  adverb
• devicefulness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of device

First recorded in 1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis “discourse, division” and devise “heraldic device, will,” both from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus “divided, separated”; see divisible

Explanation

A device is really anything that has a specific use. It might be a tool or object, or a plan that is devised to accomplish something. If it has a purpose, it is a device. A device is a noun that can be used to describe anything, simple or complex, that is used for a specific purpose. You might have one device for opening bottles, and another for opening cans. You probably even have a device for turning on your TV. While these have specific names (bottle opener, can opener, remote), you can cover each with the generic term device. We can see its root in the Old French word devis, which meant “purpose” or “contrivance.”

Example Sentences

A spokesperson emphasised that it is only those people who were fitted with a CRT device and between 2007 and 2023 who are affected by the recall.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

As Apple works toward its first foldable device, Foxconn’s manufacturing scale puts it in a strong position to absorb the added demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Improving technical setups are now raising the possibility that a broader recovery may be starting to take shape across several beaten-down medical device names.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

In this case, fidelity refers to the probability that the device gives the correct result when the input is a pure W state.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

It is unlikely that his device to harness the zero-point energy will be any different.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• accessory
• apparatus
• appliance
• equipment
• gadget
• gear
• machine
• material
• mechanism