contrivance

UK: /kənˈtraɪv^əns/ US: /kənˈtraɪvəns/ ,(kən trī′vəns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

con•triv•ance /kənˈtraɪvəns/   n. 

1. something contrived, esp. a mechanical device:
   [countable] The strange contrivance actually worked and people began to trust it.
2. the act or manner of contriving:
   [uncountable] His life of contrivance finally caught up with him when he tried to trick the same person twice.
3. a plan or scheme:
   [countable] The challenger's pledge was just a contrivance to get elected.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

con•triv•ance  (kən trī′vəns), n. 

1. something contrived;
   a device, esp. a mechanical one.
2. the act or manner of contriving;
   the faculty or power of contriving.
3. a plan or scheme;
   expedient.

• contrive + -ance 1620–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

contrivance / kənˈtraɪvəns/ noun

1. something contrived, esp an ingenious device; contraption
2. the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability
3. an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc
4. an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem