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

Around the back is a cable that connects to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

In Europe, an American plug won’t fit the wall, and a bargain adapter can leave you charging one device at a time. — Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026

That theoretically means access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network without requiring owners to carry an adapter around like some sort of automotive electrical Swiss Army knife. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026

But savvy electric car owners knew to carry spare plug adapters and cables when traveling. — IEEE Spectrum, 31 Oct. 2026

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