Skip to main content
device

device

2.1
A machine or tool made to do a particular job
  • noun
  • /dɪˈvaɪs/
translation icon : dispositivo
  • Having relevant student information housed on a portable device also makes planning from home much easier.
  • mobile device
  • use devices
  • handheld device

Would you implant a neural link device in your own brain?

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • When integrated into the curriculum, these devices can support greater independence for students with disabilities.

    Academic text (2015)
  • So another cool thing about this device is it's expandable.

  • I hold in my hand a device so powerful it can actually pull air right out of the sky!

  • Why is Apple monitoring my device for this?

  • Does it mean having iPads or other devices available for them to use library resources?

    Academic text (2015)
  • Many schools allow for the use of mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Elementary music education might include students using handheld computer devices alongside traditional classroom instruments.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The new smartphone is a revolutionary device that features advanced artificial intelligence.

  • He bought a fitness tracking device to monitor his daily activities and improve his health.

  • This kitchen device makes it easy to blend ingredients for smoothies and soups.

Synonyms

machine
vsdevice
1.0

A powered device with moving parts that does a specific job

is broader and also covers static or electronic items without moving parts
tool
vsdevice
1.1

A thing you hold to do a job, like a hammer

is more general, applying to any made or adapted item beyond handheld use
instrument
vsdevice
187 3.6

A tool used by a skilled person for work like surgery or science

is a broader label for items made for many purposes, not only skilled use
gadget
vsdevice
142 2.9

A small useful tool or machine for a special job

is a general name for manufactured items used for many different purposes
invention
vsdevice
107 3.5

A new tool or method made to solve a problem

is the broader term for things made for a purpose, not only new
apparatus
vsdevice
45 6.1

A set of machines or tools made to do a particular job

is the simple general term for items made or adapted for a purpose
implement
vsdevice
23 4.1

A tool used for a specific job, like in a kitchen or on a farm

is a wider term for items made or adapted beyond just hand tools
tech gadget
vsdevice
3 3.7

A small new electronic device like a smartwatch or earbuds that makes life easier

is any made or adapted item for a purpose, not only small tech ones
contrivance
vsdevice
1 7.9

A simple machine made to do a specific job

is a general term for manufactured or adapted items for many purposes

Compounds

explosive device
  • Specialized
40 4.1

An object made to burst violently and cause damage

A machine that uses electricity to process or send information like phones and computers

homing device
  • Specialized
11 5.6

A part that helps a missile or vehicle find and move toward a target

7 5.6

A bomb made from everyday things used in attacks

incendiary device
  • Specialized
6 7.3

A weapon made to start fires using chemicals

storage device
  • Specialized
5 3.5

A thing that stores computer files, like a hard drive or USB stick

Something that helps a person float in water and avoid drowning

A thing that uses electricity to work, like a phone or lamp

A machine with moving parts that does a particular job

A piece of equipment that protects people from injury, like an airbag or seatbelt

A machine like a computer or calculator that works with information

A tool that shows how big, heavy, or hot something is

breathing device
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A machine that helps a person take air into their lungs when they cannot do it themselves

detonating device
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A small object or bit of explosive used to start a larger explosion

device driver
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small program that lets a computer use hardware like a printer or keyboard

input device
  • Specialized
1 3.4

A tool like a keyboard or mouse that sends information to a computer

prosthetic device
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A man-made part that replaces a missing body part, for example a leg or a tooth

birth control device
  • Specialized
1 3.2

Something that stops a person from becoming pregnant

A way of using language to persuade or add emphasis

A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger

A thing that stops pregnancy, for example a pill or condom

A thing that stores information like files or photos so you can use it later

intrauterine device
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small device put inside the womb to prevent pregnancy

optical device
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A tool that uses light to make things easier to see like microscopes or cameras

output device
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Something that sends computer information so people can see or hear it, like a screen

1 3.8

A thing that uses sound or light to warn people and give information

A weapon made to injure or kill people rather than damage machines

Equipment that helps a person exercise, for example a bike or weights

holding device
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A tool that keeps something steady in one place

1 6.4

Something people use to prevent pregnancy, like a condom or diaphragm

peripheral device
  • Specialized
1 4.7

An electronic machine like a printer that connects to a computer to let you enter, see or save information

semiconductor device
  • Specialized
1 4.0

An electronic part made from a material that partly conducts electricity and controls its flow in circuits, like transistors

A tool like a vacuum or brush that cleans surfaces

data input device
  • Specialized
3.1

A tool used to put information into a computer, like a keyboard or mouse

device characteristic
  • Specialized
6.0

A thing about a device you can measure under certain conditions, like how much power it uses

5.1

A machine that uses electricity and moving parts to do work, like an elevator

A machine that makes, sends, or changes sound

9.5

A climbing tool that automatically locks and stops the rope if a climber falls

lifting device
  • Specialized
3.8

A machine that raises heavy things like a crane or forklift

guidance device
  • Specialized
5.8

A machine that automatically controls the path of a vehicle like a missile or aircraft

input/output device
  • Specialized
3.8

A device that takes information into a computer and sends information out, like a printer or touchscreen

I/O device
  • Specialized
3.7

A machine like a keyboard or printer that moves information between a computer and a user

IO device
  • Specialized
4.6

A machine like a keyboard or monitor that sends data into and out of a computer

projective device
  • Specialized
9.9

A test that asks people to say what unclear pictures or situations show to reveal hidden feelings

7.9

A tube-shaped tool that controls a climbing rope to stop falls or lower someone

How Complex

system
2.7
apparatus
45 6.1
machine
1.0
device
2.1
gadget
142 2.9

Surface Forms

device singular
devices plural

Etymology

Device comes from the Latin dividere 'to divide' and an Old French word for a planned 'design', so imagine parts carefully arranged to work together. That's why a device is a tool or machine made or adapted for a particular purpose.