appliance

[ uh-plahy-uhns ]

noun

1. an instrument, apparatus, or device for a particular purpose or use.
2. a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.
3. the act of applying; application.
4. Archaic. a measure; stratagem.
5. Obsolete. compliance.

verb (used with object)

, ap·pli·anced, ap·pli·anc·ing.

1. to equip with appliances:

   a fully applianced kitchen.

appliance

/ əˈplaɪəns /

noun

1. a machine or device, esp an electrical one used domestically
2. any piece of equipment having a specific function
3. a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose
4. See fire engine
   another name for a fire engine

Other Words From

• reap·pliance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appliance¹

First recorded in 1555–65; apply + -ance

Example Sentences

It’s another way of describing the “smart home,” in which household appliances and home entertainment equipment are wirelessly tethered together via the Internet.

From Fortune

Before the pandemic, a three-bedroom, two-bath, kitchen with upgraded appliances, and a comfy living room was enough for homebuyers to sign their name on the dotted line.

From Washington Blade

In general, home warranties cover heating, central air conditioning, plumbing, electricity, and appliances.

From Washington Blade

If you think you can’t fit everything you want into a kitchen, you should know that good things, like kitchen appliances, come in small packages.

From Washington Blade

They built a split-level, ranch-style American house, its kitchen stocked with food and the latest labor-saving appliances.

From Freakonomics

So what, exactly, had happened, how did Proofpoint figure it out, and what should appliance owners around the world do now?

From The Daily Beast

Back in July, a whirling household appliance caught her by the weave.

From The Daily Beast

The animal rescue unit was stood down before it reached Bucklebury and the appliance returned home.

From The Daily Beast

Just take it from this household appliance that goes completely berserk when the music starts.

From The Daily Beast

It kind of looks like an appliance you would legitimately have in your kitchen.

From The Daily Beast

The purpose of this appliance is to provide a horizontal shaft upon which pulleys or driving gears may be mounted.

From Project Gutenberg

Next, one of the bears was led forth to walk on the tight rope, this appliance really being a long narrow plank.

From Project Gutenberg

"Every appliance for making a good thing of it," said Mr. Burnet.

From Project Gutenberg

In these frenzies she would answer no appliance and obey no other mechanical law than the law of gravitation.

From Project Gutenberg

Nine withes of witch hazel, banded together, is used as a rustic appliance to guard against witching influence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• device
• gadget
• instrument
• tool