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

• accessory
• accessary
• accoutrement
• accouterment
• add-on
• adjunct
• appendage
• appliance
• attachment
• option

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

Built into the power adapter is an Ethernet port, which serves as the iMac's wired networking connection. —Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

It’s advertised as a desktop AC adapter and comes as a dull black brick with a standardized three-prong AC in port (the AC cable is not included). —Umar Shakir, The Verge, 6 Nov. 2024

It’s terminated with a 3.5mm stereo jack and there’s also a chrome 6.35mm adapter for hi-fi or mixing use. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

In one simple set, travelers get five plug adapters: types A, C, E/F, G and I. —Catherine Garcia, theweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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