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

Also included is a quick start guide, a 78-inch USB-A to USB-C cable, and a USB-A plug-in AC adapter. —PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2025

Tech Gadgets and Printing Beyond the ubiquitous phone chargers, hotels are increasingly stocking extension cords, HDMI cables for connecting laptops to TVs, and international adapters. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

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

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