device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
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)

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 Twenty-five electronic devices were seized for search warrants to make sure people are complying with rules associated with the devices, Robinson said. Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Ojai becomes the second U.S. city to ban ‘horrible, indiscriminate killing devices’: glue traps. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 This week, students in the U.S. will begin taking the new SAT on their own devices — including a tablet or a laptop — or on school devices. Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 But the devices cannot be used to photograph or videotape a ballot or communicate with anyone via voice, text, email or any other method. Observer Staff Reports, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 This tool is coming to Pixel 6 or newer devices as well as the Pixel Fold. Emma Roth, The Verge, 4 Mar. 2024 Other devices are slightly larger and pebble-shaped to stimulate more surface area at once. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024 Subscribers could view Emily in Paris on a television and browse the characters’ onscreen styles on a mobile device, for example. Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 In a letter sent to the agency on Thursday and shared with STAT, the group urged CMS to act on finalizing a pathway that would make reimbursement for breakthrough devices easier. Lizzy Lawrence, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'device.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of device was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near device

Cite this Entry

“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

device

noun
de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
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 How to pronounce device (audio)
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function

More from Merriam-Webster on device

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