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

• artifice
• dodge
• fetch
• flimflam
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• juggle
• knack
• play
• ploy
• ruse
• scheme
• shenanigan
• sleight
• stratagem
• trick
• wile

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

In addition, enhance your experience with the DirecTV Stream device. —Mark Heim | [e-mail], al, 11 Sep. 2023

To prepare for the change, the spokesperson said, CMS asked for comment on the devices and drugs that people believe would meet the definition of non-opioid treatments for pain relief. —Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 11 Sep. 2023

The device is compatible with all cell phones, and has no impact on the charging port or functionality of your device. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2023

Osborn said Core's support and the chance to work out the particulars of the device in a real-world setting was a key component in creating the technology. —John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2023

Gandhi often weaved his own khadi clothing on a charkha, or spinning wheel, a device that has come to symbolize the country’s political and economic emancipation. —Rhea Mogul, CNN, 10 Sep. 2023

How many devices can stream NFL Sunday Ticket at the same time? —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2023

In addition to the accusations of planting fake explosive devices at his barracks, Mr. Khalife has been accused of collecting information that could be useful to an enemy. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2023

Noise-making devices, including whistles and air horns. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2023

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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
• I/O device
• point-device
• listening device
• ventricular assist device
• intrauterine device
• flotation device
• intrauterine contraceptice device

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

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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