device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

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 sense 4)

Synonyms

• scheme
• ruse
• trick

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 on the Web

Granted, lots of iPhones can run iOS 26, but there are also so notable devices missing from the list. —Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

He is expected to grow out of the three support devices after undergoing a few surgeries. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 July 2025

One of Budanov’s officers, a masked man who went by Thirteen, stepped forward and spoke through an electronic device that scrambled his voice. —Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech 4) Reset your browser settings: Restoring your browser to its default state can reverse unwanted changes to your homepage, search engine or other settings. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing device

• charge-coupled device
• flotation device
• intrauterine contraceptive device
• intrauterine device
• I/O device
• listening device
• point-device
• ventricular assist device

Rhymes for device

• advice
• allspice
• concise
• entice
• excise
• fordyce
• precise
• suffice
• dice
• feis
• gneiss
• grice

Kids Definition

device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

1

a

: a scheme to deceive : stratagem

b

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

c

: a piece of equipment to serve a special purpose

electronic devices

2

plural : a preferred way of doing or acting : inclination

left to her own devices

3

: a design that is an emblem

especially : one used in a coat of arms

Medical Definition

device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

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