device

noun de·vice \ di-ˈvīs \

Definition of device

1 :something devised or contrived: such as

a (1) :plan, procedure, technique

a marketing device

mnemonic devices

(2) :a scheme to deceive :stratagem, trick

b :something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design

c :something (such as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect

irony and other literary devices

a plot device

d archaic :masque, spectacle

e :a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect

f :a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function

smartphones and other electronic devices

a hidden recording device

2 :desire, inclination

left to my own devices

3 heraldry :an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing (see bearing 4)

See device defined for English-language learners

See device defined for kids

Examples of device in a Sentence

The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.
agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices
a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets
The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.

Recent Examples of device from the Web

The devices have saved tens of thousands of lives, the company says.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "The Subtleties of Electrocution," 30 Aug. 2017
Dozens of animals have been tagged with electronic tracking devices so their migratory behavior can be studied.

— Washington Post, "Sharks rattle nerves on Cape Cod, but attacks on humans rare," 28 Aug. 2017
Data use is rising at home and on mobile devices and fiber will be required to carry a boost in traffic expected to hit towers in Europe with the start of fifth-generation wireless services around 2020.

— rebecca penty, Bloomberg.com, "Telcos Move to Sharing Economy as Fiber Dream Grips Europe," 25 Aug. 2017
Huckaba asked whether the ordinance couldn’t address the irresponsible behavior rather than banning the devices.

— roxie hammill, kansascity, "Bikes, skates declared ‘public nuisances’ and banned inside Lenexa City Center," 25 Aug. 2017
The Enquirer/Cara Owsley) With 250 workers, Cincinnati Test Systems makes equipment for industries from automotive to medical devices.

— alexander coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Apple CEO Tim Cook in Cincinnati: Local firm inspires 'the next thing'," 24 Aug. 2017
As the first true cable substitute for cord-cutters, PlayStation Vue has expanded from a limited streaming service for just PlayStation device owners to an option for all consumers weighing whether or not to go digital for their TV needs.

— jennifer van grove, sandiegouniontribune.com, "PlayStation Vue adds ABC in San Diego," 22 Aug. 2017
It can only be viewed on the app using a mobile device.

— michael casagrande, AL.com, "Video of Alabama football players' funny reaction to eclipse," 21 Aug. 2017
The device was inert, however, and officers arrested Varnell shortly before 1:00 am.

— malaika jabali, Essence.com, "Let's Remember That A White Man Attempted To Bomb An Oklahoma Bank This Week," 16 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'device.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of device

Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

device Synonyms

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody

DEVICE Defined for English Language Learners

device

noun

Definition of device for English Language Learners

: an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
: a weapon that explodes
: something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect