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
Woods was charged Tuesday with first-offense driving under the influence of alcohol; having an open container of alcohol; and failing to obey a traffic control device, according to booking records from the Gwinnett County Jail.
—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Apr. 2024
Best for Google users: The Google Pixel watch is a great choice for Google product users, along with the integration with FitBit this wearable gives both the features of a smart watch and wellness tracking device.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for device 
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Apr. 2024
Best for Google users: The Google Pixel watch is a great choice for Google product users, along with the integration with FitBit this wearable gives both the features of a smart watch and wellness tracking device.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for device
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'device.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near device
Cite this Entry
“Device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/device. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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