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

Woods was charged Tuesday with first-offense driving under the influence of alcohol; having an open container of alcohol; and failing to obey a traffic control device, according to booking records from the Gwinnett County Jail. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Apr. 2024

Best for Google users: The Google Pixel watch is a great choice for Google product users, along with the integration with FitBit this wearable gives both the features of a smart watch and wellness tracking device. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024

Hmmm – that at-home laser hair removal device looks pretty nifty. —Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

View documentaries on your Android or iOS device, in your browser, on select game consoles, or your smart TV. —Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 20 Apr. 2024

The event is part of the City Nature Challenge, an international event that started out as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, using the iNaturalist app which can be downloaded to a smart device. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024

These put all the electronics into a single device that fits inside the ear. —Christopher Null, WIRED, 20 Apr. 2024

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said the helicopter was in the sky around 12:30 a.m. Thursday in the area of 7th Street Northwest and 11th Avenue in Largo, when a green laser lighting device was pointed at the aircraft. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 20 Apr. 2024

Also, nothing would stop parents from buying devices for their offspring; even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given his young daughters phones. —David Meyer, Fortune, 10 Apr. 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 contraceptice 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