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 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.
The Garmin device demonstrated the best stability, and Whoop also performed per standard. — Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Nearly 1 in 3 Americans now use a wearable device to track their fitness, according to NPR. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 But the team is still several steps short of a device that could be implanted in an eye or even work in actual night-vision glasses. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 When devices are set up for children, parents would set the child's age, which would automatically trigger certain restrictions required by the state. — Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 31 July 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

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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 3 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on device

Nglish: Translation of device for Spanish Speakers

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