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 of adapter

• accessory
• option
• appliance

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

In order for that to be possible, Starship will need to be capable of refueling midflight in a complex process that requires two Starships equipped with docking adapters to meet in orbit to transfer propellant. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Researchers added adapters to its hands so the robot could grip standard laparoscopic instruments. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

The larger case easily stows a Kindle or iPad Mini, power bank, digital camera, earbuds, and more; the smaller one stashes cords and adapters. — Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

Although the team needed to design adapters to allow each robot to hold surgical tools, operators said controlling them from afar felt unexpectedly natural. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 July 2026

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