device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

1

: something devised or contrived: such as

a(1)

: plan, procedure, technique

a marketing device

mnemonic devices

(2)

: a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trick

b

: something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design

c

: something (such as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect

irony and other literary devices

a plot device

d

archaic : masque, spectacle

e

: a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect

f

: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function

smartphones and other electronic devices

a hidden recording device

2

: desire, inclination

left to my own devices

3

heraldry : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing (see bearing sense 4)

Synonyms

• artifice
• dodge
• fetch
• flimflam
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• juggle
• knack
• play
• ploy
• ruse
• scheme
• shenanigan
• sleight
• stratagem
• trick
• wile

Examples of device in a Sentence

The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.

agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices

a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets

The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.

Recent Examples on the Web

The hack did not include access to the SEC’s systems, data, devices or other social media accounts, the agency said. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

The company, which makes radio-frequency identification devices, has been a firecracker this year, gaining about 160.3% year to date. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a heart stent made specifically for infants and young children, a device that could help kids born with certain congenital heart defects avoid a series of open heart operations over their childhoods. —Jessica Herzberg, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

Schwartz, who near the end of her life continued to embrace technology as a creative means but lamented the ubiquity of the smartphone’s use as an attention-extraction device, was not only keen but prescient. —News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing device

• charge-coupled device
• flotation device
• intrauterine contraceptive device
• intrauterine device
• I/O device
• listening device
• point-device
• ventricular assist device

Kids Definition

device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

1

a

: a scheme to deceive : stratagem

b

: something (as a figure of speech) in a written work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect

c

: a piece of equipment to serve a special purpose

electronic devices

2

plural : a preferred way of doing or acting : inclination

left to her own devices

3

: a design that is an emblem

especially : one used in a coat of arms

Medical Definition

device

noun

de·​vice di-ˈvīs 

: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function