1
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
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)
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
On Easter Sunday, this paper contained an editorial that employed the same literary device: It was penned by an angel.
—
Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025
Use a filtration device or air conditioning with a filter in your home.
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
In this guide, the term blow-dry brush is exclusively used for devices that blow hot air out of the bristles onto wet hair to dry and style your hair.
—Nena Farrell, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
There’s nothing to stop an attacker using your password and 2FA code on their own device.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for device
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025
Use a filtration device or air conditioning with a filter in your home.
—Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
In this guide, the term blow-dry brush is exclusively used for devices that blow hot air out of the bristles onto wet hair to dry and style your hair.
—Nena Farrell, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
There’s nothing to stop an attacker using your password and 2FA code on their own device.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for device
Cite this Entry
“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
device
noun
de·vice
di-ˈvīs 
1
a
: a scheme to deceive : stratagem
b
: something (as a figure of speech) in a written work designed to achieve a particular artistic effect
c
: a piece of equipment to serve a special purpose
electronic devices
2
plural
: a preferred way of doing or acting : inclination
left to her own devices
3
: a design that is an emblem
especially
: one used in a coat of arms
Medical Definition
device
noun
de·vice
di-ˈvīs
: a piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose or perform a special function
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