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

The project also has adapters designed for charging infrastructure in China and North America. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Once Tesla opened part of its charger network, which is the North American Charging Standard, to cars that were made by other manufacturers, carmakers started producing adapters for people who had EVs that had older CCS ports. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Everyone needs an adapter that fits anywhere your passport will take you. — Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

Apple projects 15 minutes to 50% battery with a 60W or higher power adapter. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 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