Definition of device
1 : something devised or contrived: such asa (1) : plan, procedure, technique a marketing device mnemonic devices (2) : a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trickb : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in designc : 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 deviced archaic : masque, spectaclee : a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effectf : 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)
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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
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He also was ordered to have an ignition interlock device on his vehicle, which must be operable at all times.
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Its subscription technology propagates content automatically onto multiple websites, as well as mobile apps and even for Internet of Things devices.
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Treatments also included a Rife machine, a device that transmits radio waves that purportedly treat cancer.
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The device has a lower false-alarm rate than current X-ray systems, which decreases the need for time-consuming, hand searches of bags, the company said.
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But T-Mobile getting in the game means that many more people who haven't linked their devices together will soon get their first opportunity to try.
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Meanwhile, wealthy Americans and the medical device and insurance industries still fare best in the House bill.
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Morcellator use dropped significantly, but many gynecologists still favored it, and the devices remained available.
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These days, a device that can play the radio (well, podcasts typically) and show television is called a phone.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Literature Terms
DEVICE Defined for English Language Learners
device
playDefinition of device for English Language Learners
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: an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
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: a weapon that explodes
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: something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect
DEVICE Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
device
playMedical Definition of device
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
Learn More about device
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See words that rhyme with device Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for device Spanish Central: Translation of device Nglish: Translation of device for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of device for Arabic speakers
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