device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

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)

Synonyms

• artifice
• dodge
• fetch
• flimflam
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• juggle
• knack
• play
• ploy
• ruse
• scheme
• shenanigan
• sleight
• stratagem
• trick
• wile

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

This could enable Siri to perform specific tasks such as recalling a picture taken years ago on the device or answering detailed questions about the weather, the news or trivia. —Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 10 June 2024

The forces -- the forces came under fire from a 360-degree threat: RPGs, AK-47s, explosive devices on the way, mortar rounds. —ABC News, 9 June 2024

The minimalist vibe, ascetic without being spartan, is a welcome addition to the area’s local resort scene, and the state-of-the-art spa offers all the latest and greatest devices that will help design your very own wellness protocol. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 June 2024

Bloomberg reports users on iPad or Mac will need devices powered by an M1 chip or later, while the mobile requirements could be restricted to either an iPhone 15 Pro or one of the iPhone 16 devices launching this fall. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 7 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing device

• charge-coupled device
• flotation device
• intrauterine contraceptice device
• intrauterine device
• I/O device
• listening device
• point-device
• ventricular assist device

Kids 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