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

The Osmo Nano is available now on Amazon or on DJI's site with pricing starting at US$309 for a package that includes 64GB of internal storage, a magnetic hat clip, a lanyard, and a ball-joint adapter mount. —New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2025

These microskips were not a problem with my 15PM and 16PM using this same adapter. —PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

In the coming weeks, the Orion capsule for the flight and its adapter will be added. —Tariq Malik, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025

The stand ships with a 30W USB-C PD charging adapter. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 19 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