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

• accessory
• option

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

Buying separate adapters for each can be frustrating. —Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025

The Global Version of the product ships with just a USB Type-C adapter and is priced at $139 without any external Lavalier mics. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

The slim adapter plugs right into the console’s USB-C port for low-latency 2.4GHz audio, and the SteelSeries app has equalizer profiles for Switch games that help improve the already impressive sound quality. —Brad Bourque, Wired News, 17 June 2025

Those models max out at 25W on the iPhone 16 Plus and Pro Max when paired with a 30W power adapter. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025

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