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 OnePlus Watch 3 ships with its band already installed, and the box includes a charging pad that magnetically attaches to the contacts on the back of the watch, a charging cord but no power adapter, and an instruction manual. —PCMAG, 18 Feb. 2025

That's what gives you rapid, safe charging without the bulk of traditional adapters. —New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025

Apple's dual-port USB-C power adapter has saved me many late-night trips to Best Buy. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 15 Feb. 2025

At this stage, maybe investors want to broaden their focus from the enablers to the adapters and those industries and sectors that are going to be adapting AI to their business models. —Andy Mills, Quartz, 11 Feb. 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