Appliance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s/ ap·pli·ance

Meaning & Definition of Appliance

Appliance (noun)

  1. an act of applying
  2. a piece of equipment for adapting a tool or machine to a special purpose, attachment
  3. an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function; specifically, a household or office device (such as a stove, fan, or refrigerator) operated by gas or electric current

Appliance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an interesting and often novel device with a practical use

    "since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers"

    similar: contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget
    related: implement, instrument, tool, utensil, ingenuity, innovation, invention, accessory, adjunct, mechanism, trick, dingus, doodad, doohickey, hickey, hootenanny (chiefly dialect), thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy

  2. something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment

    "an appliance that allows the machine to be used as a sander"

    similar: accessory, accoutrement, adapter, add-on, adjunct, appendage, attachment, option
    related: accompaniment, additive, complement, supplement, auxiliary, subsidiary, amenity, doodad, embroidery, extra, filler, frill, incidental, luxury, nonessential, nonnecessity, appurtenances, bells and whistles, equipment, furnishings, habiliment(s), paraphernalia, trappings, adornment, decoration, embellishment, enhancement, garnish, ornament, trim, trimming
    near: essential, necessity, requirement, requisite

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Appliance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Appliance:

contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget, accessory, accoutrement, adapter, add-on, adjunct, appendage, attachment, option

Related Words for Appliance

implement, instrument, tool, utensil, ingenuity, innovation, invention, mechanism, trick, dingus, doodad, doohickey, hickey, hootenanny, thingamabob, thingamajig, thingummy, accompaniment, additive, complement, supplement, auxiliary, subsidiary, amenity, embroidery, extra, filler, frill, incidental, luxury

Near Antonyms of Appliance

essential, necessity, requirement, requisite

Word Forms of Appliance

Inflections: appliances

Origin & Etymology of Appliance

apply + -ance

First known use: 1555

Words & Phrases Containing Appliance

information appliance

Frequently Asked Questions about Appliance

What does "Appliance" mean?

"Appliance" means an act of applying. As a noun, it is defined as: an act of applying. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Appliance"?

Other words for "Appliance" include contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget and accessory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Appliance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Appliance"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Appliance". Common alternatives include contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger, widget, accessory, accoutrement and adapter.

How do you use "Appliance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Appliance" in a sentence: "since the invention of the cork, all manner of appliances have been invented for the extraction of these sometimes troublesome stoppers"; "an appliance that allows the machine to be used as a sander".

Is "Appliance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Appliance" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Appliance"?

"Appliance" is pronounced /ə-ˈplī-ən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ap·pli·ance.

What is the origin of the word "Appliance"?

"Appliance" comes from apply + -ance. First known use: 1555.

What is another word for "Appliance" meaning "an interesting and often novel device with a practical use"?

When "Appliance" (noun) means an interesting and often novel device with a practical use, synonyms include contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo and jigger.