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

Starting model year 2026 NACS DC adapters will be standard equipment according to Director of GM Energy Bill Hotchkiss. —Ed Garsten, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, crosstown rival Ford Motor Co. continues to ask its EV owners to wait for their free fast-charging adapters. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 18 Sep. 2024

My Pocket-sized power adapters with a pair of USB-C ports and fast-charging capability are not exactly an endangered species, but this accessory vendor’s latest device adds Find My support to the charger genre. —Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 8 Sep. 2024

The 75 percent-off deal includes the appliance, along with several attachments and tools, like the two-in-one brush, long crevice brush, retractable metal tube, wall mount with screws, cleaning gadget with a blade and brush, power adapter, and more. —Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 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