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

There's also support for 32-bit float audio using an optional XLR 2 adapter. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2025

The Victus also unsurprisingly offers only Wi-Fi 6 and 6E along with 120-watt and 150-watt power adapters and three-cell and four-cell batteries with 52.5 Wh and 70 Wh capacity. —Anshel Sag, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

If needed, a USB adapter can help update your devices for compatibility. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025

The eight holes around the periphery of the power supply cover are threaded to hold two 120mm fans, and the four holes closer to the center are threaded to secure a vertical graphics-card adapter. —PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for adapter

• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor

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