appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
plural appliances
1
: an act of applying
2
a
: a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : attachment
b
: an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function
an orthodontic appliance
specifically : a household or office device (such as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current
c
British : fire engine
d
: an artificial part or mask that is worn as part of an actor's makeup or costume
… more grown-ups are shelling out for scary facial appliances—wounds, snouts and horns—to create the creepy characters they've dreamed up on their own.Dana Coffield
e
computing : information appliance
A growing number of companies are coming up with ways [in 2000] to turn ordinary phones into Internet appliances.Sharon Cleary
3
obsolete : compliance
Choose the Right Synonym for appliance

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of appliance in a Sentence

All household appliances are now on sale. since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers
Recent Examples on the Web Its kitchen features double ovens, an oversized island, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in butler's pantry with a wine/beverage refrigerator. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 1 Oct. 2024 Use them to control outlets and devices like lamps, fans, air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and more. Maggie Horton, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024 Electronic devices, appliances, power lines, fertilizers (opens a new tab) and even clothing bear static charges. quantamagazine.org, 30 Sep. 2024 In comparison, Choice Home Warranty has two levels: The Basic Plan includes coverage for most appliances, plus heating, electrical and plumbing systems. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for appliance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appliance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

apply + -ance

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appliance was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near appliance

Cite this Entry

“Appliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appliance. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
1
: a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : attachment
2
: a device designed for a particular use
a fire-fighting appliance
an appliance serving as an artificial arm
3
: a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity

Medical Definition

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio)
: an instrument or device designed for a particular use
prosthetic appliances
an orthodontic appliance used to move misaligned teeth into proper occlusion

More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

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