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

However, Tesla sued the company after the automaker’s testing found that the adapter could overheat. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026

Designed with versatility in mind, every strap is interchangeable with the phone adapter that goes right into your own phone case while elevating your outfit for any occasion. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

The project also has adapters designed for charging infrastructure in China and North America. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Once Tesla opened part of its charger network, which is the North American Charging Standard, to cars that were made by other manufacturers, carmakers started producing adapters for people who had EVs that had older CCS ports. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 15 Sep. 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