device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

plural devices

1

: something devised or contrived: such as

a(1)

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

smartphones and other electronic devices

(2)

: a weapon that explodes

a nuclear device

b(1)

: plan, procedure, technique

a marketing device

mnemonic devices

(2)

: a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trick

c

: something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design

d

: 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

e

archaic : masque, spectacle

f

: a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect

2

: desire, inclination

left to my own devices

3

heraldry : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing (see bearing entry 1 sense 4)

Synonyms of device

• 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

The highly customizable shapes enable applications ranging from drug delivery systems to energy storage devices. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

The device contains miniature chambers filled with pre-prepared scented liquids, each linked to its own release channel. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Conway built the device and walked around in it, looking like a mad scientist. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

That counted not just ALPRs but standard surveillance cameras, body cameras and other devices. — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

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