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

Your device might have a manager built in, and by all means use it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

The top of the device remains exposed to air, ensuring a steady oxygen supply.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Last year, a device weighing 500kg was found and diffused near Gare du Nord in Paris, where rail workers were putting up a new bridge over railway lines.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

They include cloud computing giant Amazon Web Services, device manufacturers Apple, Microsoft and Google, and chip-makers Nvidia and Broadcom.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Judge Byrne was told that a listening device on Mort Halperin’s phone had picked up several conversations with Daniel Ellsberg.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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