adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər How to pronounce adapter (audio)
a-
variants or less commonly adaptor
1
: one that adapts
2
a
: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus
b
: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended

Examples of adapter in a Sentence

adapters for the food mixer include a meat grinder and an ice cream maker
Recent Examples on the Web Drivers of Ford electric cars have now gained access to Tesla’s supercharger network, using an adapter provided free by Ford. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 To be sure, not every customer will receive an adapter right away. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Finally, don’t forget your power adapter on any trip to Spain (or anywhere in Europe, for that matter). Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 What does the Apple Vision Pro come with? Apple Vision Pro comes with a solo knit band, dual loop band, a light seal, two light seal cushions, a cover for the front of the device, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB-C charge cable and a USB-C power adapter. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Tap the phone and leave it in a dry area Instead, unplug the phone from its power adapter, and gently tap the phone against your hand, with the charging port facing down, in order to let excess liquid drain from the device. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2024 Pack a few essentials: A working smartphone and external battery, a European adapter plug, cash (or go to an ATM at the airport in Italy after landing), a card with emergency contact and health information (plus any necessary medication), and a refillable water bottle. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 There’s a luxuriantly sensuous quality to the prose of British novelist Deborah Levy — a tactile grasp of land, weather and flesh — that feels intensely cinematic while reading it, as well as an elliptical, concentrated interior psychology that feels liable to trip up any potential adapters. Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 Feb. 2024 Also included are a USB charging cable and a plug-in adapter. PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adapter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adapter was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near adapter

Cite this Entry

“Adapter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adapter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adapter

noun
adapt·​er
variants also adaptor
1
: someone or something that adapts
2
a
: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of a usually larger device
b
: an attachment for adapting a device for uses not originally intended

Medical Definition

adapter

noun
adapt·​er
variants also adaptor
1
: one that adapts
2
a
: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus
b
: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended

More from Merriam-Webster on adapter

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