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 of adapter

• accessory
• option
• appliance

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 process, which is necessary for Starship to reach distant destinations, is a complex one requiring two vehicles equipped with docking adapters to meet up in orbit to transfer hundreds of tons of super-cooled propellant. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Common oversights include everything from not packing a universal adapter to lacking the right outfit for events like high tea or a night out at the theater. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

These adapters translate real-time data into the same internal format used for WeatherMesh’s training data. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2025

The motor has five speeds and is charged using a USB-C cable and an AC adapter, neither of which is included in the box. —PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 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