adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər How to pronounce adapter (audio)
a-
variants or less commonly adaptor
Synonyms of adapternext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bards were the first adapters. — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 Most companies have drawers full of cables, adapters and spare monitors nobody uses. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Portable ACs can work with casement windows but need a special adapter to seal the vent properly. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 Those connections on the right side are ConnectX-7 network adapters, which provide 200Gbps of bandwidth. — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adapter

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adapter was in 1753

Rhymes for adapter

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Browse Nearby Words

adapted
adapter
adaption
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Cite this Entry

“Adapter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adapter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adapter

noun
adapt·​er
variants also adaptor
ə-ˈdap-tər How to pronounce adapter (audio)
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 How to pronounce adapter (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on adapter

Nglish: Translation of adapter for Spanish Speakers

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