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)
Synonyms
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
These logs, which track devices accessing certain websites or services, often reveal upcoming iOS versions before they are officially announced.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
This makes an awesome gift for any Apple device user who has cords and charging docks littering their nightstand.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The update would follow the late-January release of iOS 18.3, which included Apple Intelligence notifications and new Visual Intelligence options, like the ability to add an event to a device's calendar by scanning a poster.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
There is an external remote, but no mask or device is placed over the mouth.
—Valerie Cacho, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for device 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
This makes an awesome gift for any Apple device user who has cords and charging docks littering their nightstand.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
The update would follow the late-January release of iOS 18.3, which included Apple Intelligence notifications and new Visual Intelligence options, like the ability to add an event to a device's calendar by scanning a poster.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
There is an external remote, but no mask or device is placed over the mouth.
—Valerie Cacho, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for device
Dictionary Entries Near device
Cite this Entry
“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 18 Feb. 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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