charger

1 of 2

noun (1)

char·​ger ˈchär-jər How to pronounce charger (audio)
Synonyms of chargernext
: a large flat dish or platter

charger

2 of 2

noun (2)

charg·​er ˈchär-jər How to pronounce charger (audio)
1
: one that charges: such as
a
: an appliance for holding or inserting a charge of powder or shot in a gun
b
: a cartridge clip
c
: a device for charging storage batteries
2
: a horse for battle or parade

Examples of charger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The cause of the plane’s malfunctions is, duh, random sparks from annoying Dan’s charger starting a fire in cargo. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026 Everything is precisely where it’s needed, from hooks by the showers to chargers by the bed. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 My husband has plenty of power strips, but the more practical solution was this Anker charger block. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026 Passengers will be allowed to bring a maximum of two portable chargers onboard under the new policy, which must be kept within easy reach at all times. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charger

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chargeour, borrowed from Anglo-French, from charger "to load, burden" + -eour -er entry 2 — more at charge entry 1

Note: Oxford English Dictionary, first edition, Middle English Dictionary, and Französisches etymologisches Wörterbuch treat the etymon of this word as distinct from the etymon of charger entry 2, presumably on the grounds that the suffix, here designating a place, goes back to -eoir, from Latin -ātōrium, though there is little evidence for this in manuscript spellings. The meaning "dish or platter" found in Anglo-French appears not to have a parallel on the continent.

Noun (2)

Middle English chargere "someone who loads or burdens," from charger "to load, burden" + -ere -er entry 2 — more at -er entry 2 — more at charge entry 1

Note: See note at charge entry 1.

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charger was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Charger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charger. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

charger

1 of 2 noun
char·​ger ˈchär-jər How to pronounce charger (audio)
: a large flat dish or platter

charger

2 of 2 noun
charg·​er
ˈchär-jər
1
: a cavalry horse
2
: a device for charging storage batteries

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