device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
plural devices
Synonyms of device
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

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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
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.
Printing these flexible devices requires depositing two layers at once. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 When heated by the device’s coil, these liquids break down into toxic compounds, including formaldehyde and acrolein, both known to damage cellular structures in the respiratory system. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The agents seized records and electronic devices, looking for evidence of unspecified criminal behavior. — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 The materials described an eventual wearable device for humans that would take three years and $70 million to develop. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for device

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of device was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing device

Rhymes for device

See All Rhymes for device

Browse Nearby Words

deviator
device
deviceful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

device

noun
de·​vice di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio)
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 How to pronounce device (audio)
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
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