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

Bundle up this holiday season with this Vitamix set that includes the classic Explorian E310 blender, a personal cup adapter, and two 20-ounce blending cups that are ideal for tackling smaller jobs as well as making juices, shakes, and smoothies. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025

The best way to avoid stress leading up to any vacation is to snag a travel adapter that’s compatible with a wide range of countries, and the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is the perfect pick since it can be used worldwide. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025

The fixes are all workarounds—either re-spooling filament onto plastic or printing snap-on adapters that make cardboard rims AMS-friendly. —PC Magazine, 22 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

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