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device

noun
de·​vice | \ di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio) \

Definition of device

1 : something devised or contrived: such as
a(1) : plan, procedure, technique a marketing device mnemonic devices
(2) : a scheme to deceive : stratagem, trick
b : something fanciful, elaborate, or intricate in design
c : something (such as a figure of speech) in a literary work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect irony and other literary devices a plot device
d archaic : masque, spectacle
e : a conventional stage practice or means (such as a stage whisper) used to achieve a particular dramatic effect
f : a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function smartphones and other electronic devices a hidden recording device
2 : desire, inclination left to my own devices
3 heraldry : an emblematic design used especially as a heraldic bearing (see bearing sense 4)
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about device

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Examples of device in a Sentence

The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices. agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 What police initially believed was an explosive device was discovered in the garage. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, "A woman went to neighbor for help. Later, 2 people and a dog were dead, officer injured.," 24 Aug. 2019 Introduced back in March, the Apple Card is now generally available to anyone with an Apple mobile device who wants to apply. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Apple Card Review: A (Mostly) Rewarding Way to Pay," 22 Aug. 2019 The army ranger never recovered from an improvised explosive device during his deployment. — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, "Nebraska Teen Pays Tribute to Father Killed in Afghanistan with Senior Year Photos," 21 Aug. 2019 In addition to the knife, police said, Downs threatened to have an explosive device. — oregonlive.com, "Grand jury decides Portland police officer was justified in June 9 shooting," 17 Aug. 2019 Those who have hearing loss also can be fitted with a hearing aid, an electronic, battery-run device that amplifies sound. — Jan Burns, Houston Chronicle, "Hearing loss is serious, should be addressed quickly," 16 Aug. 2019 Hours later, the authorities found, disarmed and removed a second explosive device just blocks away. — Michael Gold, New York Times, "Rice Cookers That Prompted Bomb Scare in Subway Investigated as ‘Hoax Devices’," 16 Aug. 2019 King, 37, of Franklin, and Goodman, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati to conspiring to possess unregistered explosive devices. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "Ex-members of Ohio militia admit testing 'crater makers'," 16 Aug. 2019 How to subscribe and start reading Subscribers can visit this page to learn how to access PCWorld on any device and start reading the current issue right away. — Pcworld Staff, PCWorld, "PCWorld's August Digital Magazine: Ryzen 3000," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'device.' 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 device

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for device

Middle English devis, devise, from Anglo-French, division, plan, from deviser to divide, regulate, tell — more at devise

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More Definitions for device

device

noun
How to pronounce device (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of device

: an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
: a weapon that explodes
: something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect

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

device

noun
de·​vice | \ di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio) \

Kids Definition of device

1 : a piece of equipment made for a special purpose electronic devices
2 : choice of what to do We were left to our own devices.
3 : a thing or act used to deceive : trick

device

noun
de·​vice | \ di-ˈvīs How to pronounce device (audio) \

Medical Definition of device

: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function

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convivial

play

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