appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

plural appliances

1

: an act of applying

2

a

: a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose : attachment

b

: an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function

an orthodontic appliance

specifically : a household or office device (such as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current

c

British : fire engine

d

: an artificial part or mask that is worn as part of an actor's makeup or costume

… more grown-ups are shelling out for scary facial appliances—wounds, snouts and horns—to create the creepy characters they've dreamed up on their own.

—Dana Coffield

e

computing : information appliance

A growing number of companies are coming up with ways [in 2000] to turn ordinary phones into Internet appliances.

—Sharon Cleary

3

obsolete : compliance

Synonyms

• contraption
• contrivance
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• jigger
• widget

Choose the Right Synonym for appliance

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of appliance in a Sentence

All household appliances are now on sale.

since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers

Recent Examples on the Web

There were smart kitchen appliances, vacuums, various business and consumer robots, watches, etc. —Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Carter streamlined American energy research by creating the Department of Energy, implemented energy standards for home appliances and extended federal protections to substantial tracts of land, notably in Alaska. —Bill Barrow, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025

This one will encompass those, along with furniture and small appliances. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025

One of the most vehement opposers was former Liverpool midfielder Craig Johnston, who became an expert in the appliance of science to football equipment after his playing career ended and helped design the original Adidas Predator boot. —Elias Burke, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

apply + -ance

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing appliance

• information appliance

Kids Definition

appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

1

: a piece of equipment for making a tool or machine suitable for a special purpose : attachment

2

: a device designed for a particular use

a fire-fighting appliance

an appliance serving as an artificial arm

3

: a household device (as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) or piece of office equipment that runs on gas or electricity

Medical Definition

appliance

noun

ap·​pli·​ance ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

: an instrument or device designed for a particular use

prosthetic appliances

an orthodontic appliance used to move misaligned teeth into proper occlusion