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

Photos are fairly scarce, but on-line listings show a living room anchored by a corner fireplace sporting a marble surround, along with a spacious dining room/workspace that sits adjacent to a kitchen outfitted with newer stainless appliances. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2024

Another 53-year-old consumer from East Palo Alto, California, reported warming up tortillas using a Crux air fryer purchased the week before when smoke began emitting from under the appliance. —Cecilia Garzella, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

Despite the kitchen appliance’s massive popularity over the years, many users still question how to use the cooking tool properly. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

As California faces a massive budget deficit, one of the deepest climate cuts proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom would hit a program designed to help low-income homes replace gas space and water heaters with clean electric appliances. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2024

Switch to clean energy and climate-friendly appliances like induction stoves. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024

If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. —Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024

President Joe Biden discussed in Pittsburgh on Wednesday the importance of computer chips that power everything from weapons to artificial intelligence to household appliances such as refrigerators. —Josh Boak, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024

Countless devices and appliances — from surge protectors and televisions to headphones and laptops — often have a bright light that turns on when plugged in but can’t be turned off unless the product is unplugged. —Bryan Mena, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024

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