appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
plural appliances
1
: an act of applying
2
a
: a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : attachment
b
: an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function
an orthodontic appliance
specifically : a household or office device (such as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current
c
British : fire engine
d
: an artificial part or mask that is worn as part of an actor's makeup or costume
… more grown-ups are shelling out for scary facial appliances—wounds, snouts and horns—to create the creepy characters they've dreamed up on their own.Dana Coffield
e
computing : information appliance
A growing number of companies are coming up with ways [in 2000] to turn ordinary phones into Internet appliances.Sharon Cleary
3
obsolete : compliance
Choose the Right Synonym for appliance

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of appliance in a Sentence

All household appliances are now on sale. since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers
Recent Examples on the Web The power crunch imperils their ability to supply the energy that will be needed to charge the millions of electric cars and household appliances required to meet state and federal climate goals. Evan Halper, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Some cutting-edge appliances like the air fryer may have risen in popularity lately, but the simple sheet pan has become as essential as a cast-iron skillet. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The spacious chef’s kitchen includes two full-size islands with granite countertops, a Viking gas oven range, double ovens, top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinets and a walk-in pantry. Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Beyond that financial cost, the appliances contribute mightily to the nation’s carbon footprint. Tik Root / Grist, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 There will be new and gently used merchandise ranging from antiques, appliances, art, books, clothes and accessories to electronics, furniture, garden items, toys, sporting goods, holiday items, housewares, jewelry, linens and pet items. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 The kitchen is decked out with reclaimed antique Belgian brick, marble countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Interest rates influence some consumer spending, primarily cars, recreational vehicles and boats, but also to a lesser extent furniture and appliances. Bill Conerly, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The initial investigation suggests the fire started when someone was welding a refrigerate line in the warehouse behind the appliance shop at 8320 Camp Bowie West Blvd. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appliance.' 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

apply + -ance

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appliance was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near appliance

Cite this Entry

“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appliance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
1
: a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : attachment
2
: a device designed for a particular use
a fire-fighting appliance
an appliance serving as an artificial arm
3
: a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity

Medical Definition

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
: an instrument or device designed for a particular use
prosthetic appliances
an orthodontic appliance used to move misaligned teeth into proper occlusion

More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

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