1
b
: something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design
c
: something (such as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect
irony and other literary devices
a plot device
e
: a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect
f
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
smartphones and other electronic devices
a hidden recording device
2
: desire, inclination
left to my own devices
3
heraldry
: an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing (see bearing sense 4)
Synonyms
Examples of device in a Sentence
The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.
agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices
a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets
The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Also, nothing would stop parents from buying devices for their offspring; even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given his young daughters phones.
—
David Meyer, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024
Configured to detect drones across various frequency bands, these devices, though far from perfect, have begun to save lives by providing precious additional seconds of warning before an imminent drone attack.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2024
Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radios, local media and mobile devices are all important tools.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024
Smaller models can most often be deployed in specific projects like code assistance or in devices that cannot handle the power usage of a bigger AI model, like phones or laptops.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 9 Apr. 2024
Of buying chairs, shoes, and devices that help to encourage it?
—Beth Linker, TIME, 8 Apr. 2024
The startup implanted its device on its first human patient this year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Such a plan allows an auto insurer to obtain driving information through an onboard device or mobile application to presumably offer potentially lower rates for good driving.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024
Receives, configures, installs, and troubleshoots personal computer systems, printers, server applications, network switches, routers, and other electronic devices throughout Monroe County departments.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
David Meyer, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024
Configured to detect drones across various frequency bands, these devices, though far from perfect, have begun to save lives by providing precious additional seconds of warning before an imminent drone attack.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2024
Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radios, local media and mobile devices are all important tools.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024
Smaller models can most often be deployed in specific projects like code assistance or in devices that cannot handle the power usage of a bigger AI model, like phones or laptops.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 9 Apr. 2024
Of buying chairs, shoes, and devices that help to encourage it?
—Beth Linker, TIME, 8 Apr. 2024
The startup implanted its device on its first human patient this year.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Such a plan allows an auto insurer to obtain driving information through an onboard device or mobile application to presumably offer potentially lower rates for good driving.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024
Receives, configures, installs, and troubleshoots personal computer systems, printers, server applications, network switches, routers, and other electronic devices throughout Monroe County departments.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'device.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near device
Cite this Entry
“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
device
noun
de·vice
di-ˈvīs 
1
a
: a scheme to deceive : stratagem
b
: something (as a figure of speech) in a written work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect
c
: a piece of equipment to serve a special purpose
electronic devices
2
plural
: a preferred way of doing or acting : inclination
left to her own devices
3
: a design that is an emblem
especially
: one used in a coat of arms
Medical Definition
device
noun
de·vice
di-ˈvīs
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
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