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

Portable ACs can work with casement windows but need a special adapter to seal the vent properly. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

So no adapter is needed to charge at any of those thousands of Tesla superchargers, but only a small percentage of them operate at sufficient voltage to charge near the Taycan’s limit. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026

The studio hired local comedy writers and script adapters to restructure certain jokes and insert slang and cultural references so the humor in the movie was funny to more than just Americas. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 15 June 2026

Paul Feig is returning to direct the sequel, working from a script by The Housemaid adapter Rebecca Sonnenshine, based on the second novel in McFadden’s bestselling thriller trilogy. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 June 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