adapter

noun

adapt·​er ə-ˈdap-tər 

a-

variants or less commonly adaptor

1

: one that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus

b

: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended

Synonyms of adapter

• accessory
• option
• appliance

Examples of adapter in a Sentence

adapters for the food mixer include a meat grinder and an ice cream maker

Recent Examples on the Web

The complex process requires two Starships equipped with docking adapters to meet in orbit to transfer hundreds of tons of super-cooled propellant. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Many vehicles can use adapters depending on the connector type. —Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 1 May 2026

Fate decided that Moby Dick — which Wilson envisioned for the stage along with the British art rocker Anna Calvi and the adapter-dramaturg Robert Koall, and which premiered at Schauspielhaus Düsseldorf in 2024 — would be his last finished work. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Perhaps previous adapters were simply more inward-looking and less franchise-driven than Kyle Killen, creator and writer of Netflix’s series. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for adapter

• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor

Kids Definition

adapter

noun

adapt·​er

variants also adaptor

ə-ˈdap-tər 

1

: someone or something that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of a usually larger device

b

: an attachment for adapting a device for uses not originally intended

Medical Definition

adapter

noun

adapt·​er

variants also adaptor

ə-ˈdap-tər 

1

: one that adapts

2

a

: a device for connecting two parts (as of different diameters) of an apparatus

b

: an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not originally intended