appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• contraption
• contrivance
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

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

Being energy efficient isn’t just about switching to LED lightbulbs or unplugging idle appliances. —Bridget Reed Morawski, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2023

The air fryer is one of our favorite kitchen appliances, but admittedly, not our favorite thing to clean. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2023

However, the nomination faced a major hurdle over the DOE’s new appliance efficiency standards that aimed at cracking down on emissions from household appliances, including gas stoves. —Nancy Vu, Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2023

So, if have a new project around the house, an old appliance that needs replacing, or a backyard ready to be tamed, make sure to check out our picks for the best post-Labor Day deals at Lowe's. —Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2023

On Tuesday, administrators in Worcester sent out guidance that calls for reduced outdoor activities and keeping classrooms cool by shutting off appliances. —John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2023

If appliances are side by side, vertical storage solutions can free up room, notes Tara Lenney, owner of Tara Lenney Design. —Leslie J. Thompson, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2023

After a quick sear and sauté, your favorite kitchen appliance will do most of the work. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023

The process includes installing a new service regulator on each property to maintain a safe level of pressure between the gas system and customer homes and appliances. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

apply + -ance

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing appliance

• information appliance

• information appliance

Kids Definition

appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

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 

: an instrument or device designed for a particular use

prosthetic appliances

an orthodontic appliance used to move misaligned teeth into proper occlusion