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
• accessary
• accoutrement
• accouterment
• add-on
• adjunct
• appendage
• appliance
• attachment
• 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

In compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hatch recalled the power adapters sold with some of its Rest 1st Generation sound machines. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 8 July 2024

So far, there have been 19 reports about the plastic encasement coming off the adapter. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 5 July 2024

Hazard explained that some adapters seek out the estate for creative advice, as well as the family’s blessing. —Andrew Zucker, Washington Post, 19 June 2024

Electric vehicle maker Fisker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the second electric startup to do so in the last year as even industry leaders struggle to lure more buyers beyond the early adapters of the technology. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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