charger

1 of 2

noun (1)

char·​ger ˈchär-jər 

: a large flat dish or platter

charger

2 of 2

noun (2)

charg·​er ˈchär-jər 

1

: one that charges: such as

a

: an appliance for holding or inserting a charge of powder or shot in a gun

b

: a cartridge clip

c

: a device for charging storage batteries

2

: a horse for battle or parade

Examples of charger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The roomy interior easily fits travel essentials—think a camera, wallet, passport, portable charger, phone, and more—without feeling bulky. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

There are still shortages of EV chargers in some California counties, including Modoc and Siskiyou counties in the northern-most part of the state and in Inyo County northeast of Los Angeles. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

Pink Depression glass continues the color story, and vintage silver cutlery and chargers introduce a metallic element. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026

American Airlines is tightening battery rules, requiring chargers to stay visible and accessible during flights. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chargeour, borrowed from Anglo-French, from charger "to load, burden" + -eour -er entry 2 — more at charge entry 1

Note: Oxford English Dictionary, first edition, Middle English Dictionary, and Französisches etymologisches Wörterbuch treat the etymon of this word as distinct from the etymon of charger entry 2, presumably on the grounds that the suffix, here designating a place, goes back to -eoir, from Latin -ātōrium, though there is little evidence for this in manuscript spellings. The meaning "dish or platter" found in Anglo-French appears not to have a parallel on the continent.

Noun (2)

Middle English chargere "someone who loads or burdens," from charger "to load, burden" + -ere -er entry 2 — more at -er entry 2 — more at charge entry 1

Note: See note at charge entry 1.

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for charger

• barger
• larger
• discharger
• supercharger
• turbocharger

Kids Definition

charger

1 of 2 noun

char·​ger ˈchär-jər 

: a large flat dish or platter

charger

2 of 2 noun

charg·​er

ˈchär-jər

1

: a cavalry horse

2

: a device for charging storage batteries