device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
1
: something devised or contrived: such as
a(1)
: plan, procedure, technique
a marketing device
mnemonic devices
(2)
: a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trick
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
d
archaic : masque, spectacle
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)

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 The Ultimate Ad-Free package includes streaming on up to four devices, 4K Ultra HD video streaming, Dolby Atmos audio when available and 100 downloads. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2024 My young mind knew a similar device – the View-Master. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2024 Video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 This decryption key, securely stored on the recipient’s device, is the only key capable of deciphering the message, translating the encrypted text back into readable format. Robin Chataut, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024 That work that could be helpful to Apple, which is focused on running AI on devices rather than entirely in the cloud. Mark Gurman, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 From the 48-inch display to Google real-time navigation, voice recognition, Alexa and CarPlay, there’s no vehicle that complements connectivity and devices better. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 In addition to protecting your data from a ransomware attack, cloud storage also protects you if your device or backup device is destroyed, lost or stolen. Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 But having noise making devices at hand 24/7 has certainly made this brand of etiquette breach more common. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 13 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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of device was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near device

Cite this Entry

“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

device

noun
de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
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 How to pronounce device (audio)
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function

More from Merriam-Webster on device

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