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

• accessory
• option

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

That’s because Lian Li decided instead to include adapter brackets in its installation kit for those who would like to install a standard-size front-panel radiator. —PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2025

Decades later, Hamill teamed up with Doctor Sleep and Gerald's Game director Mike Flanagan, a frequent King adapter, for The Life of Chuck, an end-of-the-world story told in reverse order. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025

The problem is that my iPhone 14 Pro Max is long, and the grip prevents the adapters from fitting into the socket of my iPhone. —Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025

Safe connectors, which are similar to the concept of AI gateways, function as integration adapters that not only retrieve data but also acquire security authorization for that data. —Vinod Bijlani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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