adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər 

a-

variants or less commonly adaptor

1

: one that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus

b

: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended

Synonyms of adapter

• accessory
• option
• appliance

Examples of adapter in a Sentence

adapters for the food mixer include a meat grinder and an ice cream maker

Recent Examples on the Web

For similar, but more detailed, close-up telephoto images of the moon, use at least a 200mm lens — ideally 400mm or longer — on a mirrorless or DSLR camera mounted on a sturdy tripod (or attached to a telescope using a T-ring adapter). —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

The versatile magnetic mount has 360° adjustment, and adapters enable installation on non-metallic tent awning poles or wooden posts. —New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2026

The Vistiq is delivered with a CCS charge port but comes with a NACS with adapter for use at Tesla Superchargers. —Scotty Reiss, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026

Every bZ Woodland comes with an adapter for CCS chargers. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for adapter

• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor

Kids Definition

adapter

noun

adapt·​er

variants also adaptor

ə-ˈdap-tər 

1

: someone or something that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of a usually larger device

b

: an attachment for adapting a device for uses not originally intended

Medical Definition

adapter

noun

adapt·​er

variants also adaptor

ə-ˈdap-tər 

1

: one that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus

b

: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended