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 sense 4)

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about device

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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 on the Web

Investigators were able to recover the precise movements of the Yukon via the Garmin GPS device that had been mounted to the dash, recording the car’s trips since 2010. — Lauren Smiley, Glamour, "Sarah Hart Was ‘Intoxicated’: Everything We’ve Learned So Far About the Hart Family From the Coroner’s Inquest," 5 Apr. 2019 For one thing, anxious users who hammer the Update Now button in their Windows Update settings menu will receive the May 2019 Update first, as well as commercial customers and any devices nearing the end of their support phase. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft will ship the Windows 10 May 2019 Update in late May, giving you power over updates," 4 Apr. 2019 With the help of Play-Doh, WSJ's Joanna Stern explains the technical hurdles to multi-device wireless charging, then recommends some OK-but-not-great alternatives. — Joanna Stern, WSJ, "Apple Didn’t Solve Our Horrible Gadget-Charging Mess and Nobody Else Has, Either," 4 Apr. 2019 Nuclear weapons are enormously destructive devices capable of level entire cities, and arguably ending human civilization in the case of an all-out nuclear exchange. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "What If We Blew Up All The World’s Nukes at Once?," 1 Apr. 2019 This nifty little device is designed to keep your drink safe and sound, right on the arm of your couch or sofa. — Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, "This Genius Cup Holder Will Totally Transform Your Netflix Marathons," 21 Mar. 2019 Some experts argue that the level of radiation emitted from Bluetooth wireless devices is dangerous. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Can AirPods and Other Wireless Headphones Really Cause Cancer?," 17 Mar. 2019 Netflix has confirmed that some streaming devices have been left in the Bandersnatch cold. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Not Bander-snatched: Black Mirror confirms fifth season plans," 28 Dec. 2018 While the devices are actually very similar in dimensions and weight, their battery life differs greatly. — Melissa Riofrio, PCWorld, "Amazon's All-new Kindle for $89.99 is priced for budget users," 20 Mar. 2019

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.