device

UK: /dɪˈvaɪs/ US: /dɪˈvaɪs/ ,(di vīs′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

de•vice /dɪˈvaɪs/   n. [countable]

1. a thing made for a particular purpose, esp. a mechanical or electric invention:
   She invented a device that automatically closes windows when it rains.
2. a plan, scheme, or procedure, esp. a crafty one:
   full of devices for arousing sympathy.

Idioms

3. Idioms leave (one) to one's own devices, to allow (a person) to act freely, without being watched:
   We left the children to their own devices.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

de•vice  (di vīs′), n. 

1. a thing made for a particular purpose;
   an invention or contrivance, esp. a mechanical or electrical one.
2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.
3. a crafty scheme;
   trick.
4. Literature a particular word pattern, figure of speech, combination of word sounds, etc., used in a literary work to evoke a desired effect or arouse a desired reaction in the reader:
   rhetorical devices.
5. something elaborately or fancifully designed.
6. Heraldry a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
7. a motto.
8. [Archaic.] devising;
   invention.

• Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus; see division
• Anglo-French, Old French
• 1375–1425; blend of, blended late Middle English devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both

de•vice′ful, adj. 
de•vice′ful•ly, adv. 
de•vice′ful•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. gadget.
• 2. project, design.
• 3. wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver.
• 7. slogan, legend.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

device / dɪˈvaɪs/ noun

1. a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance
2. a bomb
3. a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick
4. any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery
5. a piece of computer hardware that is designed for a specific function
6. a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc
7. a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader
8. leave someone to his or her own devices ⇒ to leave someone alone to do as he or she wishes

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see devise