device

[ dih-vahys ]

/ dɪˈvaɪs /

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See synonyms for: device / devices on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

a crafty scheme; trick.

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.

a mobile device: Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

something elaborately or fancifully designed.

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

a motto.

Archaic. devising; invention.

OTHER WORDS FOR device

1 gadget.

2 project, design.

3 wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver.

8 slogan, legend.

See synonyms for device on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of device

1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both <Anglo-French, Old French <Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus;see division

OTHER WORDS FROM device

de·vice·ful, adjectivede·vice·ful·ly, adverbde·vice·ful·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH device

device , devise

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use device in a sentence

Already, there are some rudimentary commercial devices that loosely do something like a brain-machine interface.
Elon Musk is one step closer to connecting a computer to your brain|Rebecca Heilweil|August 28, 2020|Vox
Other devices, including ionizing and electrostatic purifiers, clean the air without using filters.
Can an air purifier help protect you from COVID-19?|dzanemorris|August 22, 2020|Fortune
It also confirms that you should boost your website to become a local SEO player and indeed, for a successful SEO period with smartphones and smart devices.
10 Tips to perform in depth local SEO for your business|Jackson Keil|July 20, 2020|Search Engine Watch
Users need a fast internet connection, a headset and some kind of computer or mobile device.
Virtual Reality Has Been Boosted by Coronavirus—Here’s How to Avoid It Leading Us to Dystopia|Alexandros Skandalis|June 24, 2020|Singularity Hub

Technological solutions like improved digital device security, abuse-aware technology design that distinguish users from others based on visual or behavioral cues and two-factor authentication to online services are not yet widespread.
Domestic Abusers Use Tech That Connects As A Weapon During Coronavirus Lockdowns|LGBTQ-Editor|June 19, 2020|No Straight News
But without any peace talks on the horizon, everyone is now left to their own devices.
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead|Dean Obeidallah|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Users “should be allowed to use these devices and services the way they were intended,” Brookman says.
How ‘Ethical’ Hotel Chain Marriott Gouges Guests in the Name of Wi-Fi Security|Kyle Chayka|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The cap devices on thousands of identical hats glinted in the late morning sun along with the shields worn by each of the cops.
Choking Back Tears, Thousands of Cops Honor Fallen Officer Ramos|Michael Daly|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Passengers were asked to make sure their phones and other devices were charged so that they could be switched on for inspection.
A Gift to the Jihadis: The Unseen Airport Security Threat|Clive Irving|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But could it be that these devices are actually bringing us closer together?
Binge Watching is the New Bonding Time|The Daily Beast|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He hath searched out the deep, and the heart of men: and considered their crafty devices.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
His enemies in the cabinet were quick to perceive when their devices had taken effect on the King and Queen.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
These devices are rarely resorted to, but if ever used, they must be thoroughly assimilated.
Assimilative Memory|Marcus Dwight Larrowe (AKA Prof. A. Loisette)
Even if left to its own devices it would speedily become disrupted by the warring elements within its bounds.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
And there shall be like people like priest: and I will visit their ways upon them, and I will repay them their devices.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

British Dictionary definitions for device

device

/ (dɪˈvaɪs) /

noun

a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance

euphemistic a bomb

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

any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery

computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

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

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

archaic the act or process of planning or devising

leave someone to his own devices to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

Word Origin for device

C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with device

device

see leave to someone's own devices.

device

OTHER WORDS FOR device

Origin of device

OTHER WORDS FROM device

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH device

Words related to device

How to use device in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for device

Word Origin for device

Other Idioms and Phrases with device