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 The adapter will allow Rivian owners to connect Tesla’s charging plug into their vehicles’ port The adapter will allow Rivian owners to connect Tesla’s charging plug into their vehicles’ port. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024 The universal travel adapter works in over 150 countries and can charge up to five devices simultaneously with a universal AC outlet and four USB charging ports. Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2024 Keep in mind that this device is not wireless and can only be used when the power adapter is connected. Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024 There is also an interlock to prevent the NACS connector from being removed while the adapter is connected to the vehicle charge port. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The adapter will give Ford drivers access to 15,000 new chargers, bringing the total up to 126,000 chargers and more than 28,000 fast chargers across the US and Canada. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 29 Feb. 2024 The adapter’s other side is a 1¼-inch-diameter tube that slides into your telescope’s focuser just like an eyepiece, making your scope a giant telephoto lens. Michael E. Bakich, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 But unlike our habitual scramble for adapters and chargers and passports, the packing of an orchestra is a finely tuned and precisely orchestrated operation, requiring months of advance planning and permitting, a crew of nearly a dozen workers and an all-hands effort by the musicians themselves. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024 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

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 28 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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