converter

noun

con·​vert·​er kən-ˈvər-tər 

: one that converts: such as

a

: the furnace used in the Bessemer process

b

or convertor

kən-ˈvər-tər 

: a device employing mechanical rotation for changing electrical energy from one form to another (as from direct current to alternating current or vice versa)

also : a radio device for converting one frequency to another

c

: a device for adapting a television or radio receiver to receive channels or frequencies for which it was not originally designed

a cable converter

FM converter

d

: a device that accepts data in one form and converts it to another

analog-digital converter

e

: catalytic converter

Examples of converter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Karaoke systems use microphones and speakers, which require analog-to-digital converters to digitize the sound. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The dithered aesthetic remains popular today among some digital artists and indie game makers, with modern tools like this web converter that allows anyone to transform photos into the classic Atkinson dither style. —ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025

Further weighing on the prices of platinum and palladium has been the rise in sales of electric vehicles, which do not require a catalytic converter – though hybrid electric cars do, and in some case their converters require a heavier coating of platinum or palladium. —Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing converter

• catalytic converter
• torque converter

Rhymes for converter

• diverter
• divertor
• inverter
• reverter