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

After the launch of the iPhone in 2007 transformed the smartphone industry, BlackBerry fought hard to keep its consumer mobile division alive with new devices — but ultimately lost the battle. — Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

By default, these devices mark the wearer not only as a geek, but as a try-hard and an egoist. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Since a quantum sensor does not need to receive or send a signal to an external device, it cannot be hacked or be spoofed by a fake incoming signal either. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Orr said older children spend more and more time looking at the screen of an electronic device like a phone, computer, or tablet. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 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