adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər How to pronounce adapter (audio)
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

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
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.
One year after publishing our seven-part series, Monitor reporters Sara Miller Llana and Stephanie Hanes follow up with the activists and adapters, challengers and innovators, regenerators and conservationists of The Climate Generation. Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024 These are our favorite travel adapters and chargers. Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024 And while some customers admit that the EV charging experience is slowly improving, this next phase of adapters and formerly proprietary chargers going universal has really only just begun. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 5 Dec. 2024 The pricier travel versions include adapters for outlets around the world. Ina Fried, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adapter 

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adapter was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near adapter

Cite this Entry

“Adapter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adapter. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

adapter

noun
adapt·​er
variants also adaptor
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on adapter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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