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
• accessary
• accoutrement
• accouterment
• add-on
• adjunct
• appendage
• appliance
• attachment
• 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

The second-generation device adds magnetic adapters for a better phone fit. —Craig Grannell, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024

The module provides international docking adapters on its space-facing and forward ports for commercial crew vehicles like the Dragon. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

Most recently, Volvo and Polestar started selling adapters to its customers for $230. —Umar Shakir, The Verge, 31 Oct. 2024

The Blue Oval Charging Network has more than 75,000 EV chargers; the automaker is shipping adapters that customers can use to charge with Tesla’s Supercharger network, and Ford offers an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on its EVs’ batteries. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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