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

No one wants to deal with tangled cords or missing adapters mid-vacation, and this best-selling Amazon case keeps everything from chargers to memory cards neatly in place. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Has access to Tesla DC fast charging network with NACS adapter. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Dec. 2025

The scanner can accommodate this range of formats by including a slide holder and three film adapters. —PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025

The air fryer system is completely portable and includes a PowerPod heating device, a 6-quart glass container, and a 4-cup glass container, container adapters, and storage lids to bake, air fry, and crisp chicken, french fries, salmon, and much more. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 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