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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

 Biosciences can include a multitude of areas, from medical devices and materials to pharmaceuticals, research and development, information technology, genetics and genomics. — William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, "State bioscience foundation names first executive director," 6 Sep. 2019 Searches of electronic devices and social media at border points were conducted under previous administrations, but free speech groups complain they have been stepped up since President Trump took office in 2017. — Fox News, "Palestinian student, 17, who'd been blocked from entering US, arrives at Harvard," 3 Sep. 2019 The conference focused on the expansion of connected medical devices and tele-health services. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Can technology and incentives prod us into healthier habits?," 31 Aug. 2019 Regulators at the agency use the reporting portal as an early-warning system for problems with drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products. — Anna Edney, Fortune, "Juul and Other E-Cigarette Devices Are Under Investigation by the FDA as Possible Cause of Seizures," 29 Aug. 2019 App interfaces differ slightly, but generally will show you where to find a vehicle, how to unlock it, the range on a device and the rates for your ride. — Lauren Sloss, New York Times, "How to Travel Using an E-Bike or Scooter," 29 Aug. 2019 Fitbit has peppered both devices and the app with collaborations, from its existing partnerships with Spotify and Solera Health to newer ones with such varied entities as the meditation app Headspace and rescue beacon manufacturer Recco. — Adrienne So, WIRED, "Fitbit Wants to Be Your One-Stop Health Care Shop," 28 Aug. 2019 That’s an easy plot device, and in itself not a very interesting one. — Hanna Kozlowska, Quartzy, "A new thriller novel offers up twisted scenarios of the tech revolution gone wrong," 28 Aug. 2019 There are hundreds of different kinds of vaping devices and ways to get and fill pods with any number of substances. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "First Death Linked To Vaping Reported Amid Escalating Illness," 24 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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