adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər 

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

Synonyms

• accessory
• option

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

Plenty, and a faulty adapter could leave you on the hook for damage to both. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025

The Delta Pro 3 can be charged using a standard AC outlet, a car charger, an EV charger (using the aforementioned EV adapter), and a solar panel. —PC Magazine, 29 July 2025

The next stage is for flight engineers to run quality checks on the adapter before building the final device. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 17 July 2025

Currently, some adapter solutions are available for electric vehicle owners. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for adapter

• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor

Kids Definition

adapter

noun

adapt·​er

variants also adaptor

ə-ˈdap-tər 

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

ə-ˈdap-tər 

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