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appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance | \ É™-ˈplÄ«-É™n(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio) \
plural appliances

Definition of appliance

1 : an act of applying
2a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about appliance

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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

 The counters are a dark soapstone, the cabinets are white, and the appliances are white, including the gas stove. — Boston.com Real Estate, "Home of the Week: The flooring in this 3-bedroom Cape is school chalkboards," 7 Sep. 2019 The appliance has turned Franklin a shade greener as the school, which has about 650 students, will be the first in the district to eliminate single-use plastic utensils and plates. — Andrew J. Campa, Glendale News-Press, "Dishwasher donation continues green evolution at Franklin Elementary," 27 Aug. 2019 The petite appliance is a must for storing cold drinks and snacks. — Joni Sweet, USA TODAY, "Get everything on your college packing checklist delivered next day — for free!," 26 Aug. 2019 The Boca Raton Best Buy where the appliances were purchased was closed on Tuesday in the wake of the attack. — Doha Madani, NBC News, "Florida delivery man allegedly attacks elderly woman with mallet, sets her on fire," 20 Aug. 2019 The kitchen, large-party sized, included a long center island, surrounded by walls covered with cupboards, and counters with three sinks and the latest appliances. — Dallas News, "Ranch at Emerald Valley keeps traditions alive in Colorado," 20 Aug. 2019 Ceiling fans may be the one home appliance that are still notorious for being eyesores. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "The 8 Best Ceiling Fans for Silent Yet Powerful Airflow," 19 Aug. 2019 Whether switching from natural gas to electricity is cost-effective over time depends on electricity and gas rates in a region, and how energy-efficient various appliances are. — Elena Shao, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Area cities poised to follow Berkeley’s natural gas ban," 19 Aug. 2019 Inside, the flexible floor plan lends itself perfectly for a variety of uses and layouts, while the attention to detail — such as the quality of fixtures and the high-end appliances — can’t be ignored. — Los Angeles Times, "Culver City house hunt: East or west of the 405?," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appliance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of appliance

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for appliance

appliance

noun
How to pronounce appliance (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of appliance

: a machine (such as a stove, microwave, or dishwasher) that is powered by electricity and that is used in people's houses to perform a particular job

See the full definition for appliance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance | \ É™-ˈplÄ«-É™ns How to pronounce appliance (audio) \

Kids Definition of appliance

: a piece of household equipment that performs a particular job

appliance

noun
ap·​pli·​ance | \ É™-ˈplÄ«-É™n(t)s How to pronounce appliance (audio) \

Medical Definition of appliance

: an instrument or device designed for a particular use prosthetic appliances an orthodontic appliance used to move misaligned teeth into proper occlusion

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More from Merriam-Webster on appliance

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with appliance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appliance

Spanish Central: Translation of appliance

Nglish: Translation of appliance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of appliance for Arabic Speakers

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