What does "appliance" mean?
An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially
Appliance
/əˈplaɪ.əns/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially
- Grammar: appliance is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accommodation, accouterments, active use, advantage.
- Useful contrasts: barrier, hindrance, manual device.
- Usage evidence: The electrical appliance must have been damaged in transit.
How to use "appliance"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "appliance" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "appliance" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "appliance" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "appliance" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "appliance" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accommodation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "appliance", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially countable, uncountable
"Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude; And in the calmest and most stillest night, With all appliances and means to boot, Deny it to a king?"
- 2 durable goods for home or office use wordnet
- 3 An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:; A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices. countable, uncountable
"Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers."
- 4 a device or control that is very useful for a particular job wordnet
- 5 An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:; An attachment, a piece of equipment to adapt another tool or machine to a specific purpose. countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The act of applying. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"1658, Elias Ashmole, The Way to Bliss, London: Nath. Brook, Book 2, Chapter 2 “Of Health,” p. 75, […] there be three things, and every one full of under-branches belonging to this Art and way of Healing: The first is knowledge of the Diseases: the second is the Remedies against them: and the third of the appliance of Remedies; All which should be traversed in this Discourse."
- 7 A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"[…] Diseases desperate grown By desperate appliance are reliev’d, Or not at all."
- 8 Willing service, willingness to act as someone wishes. countable, obsolete, rare, uncountable
"And hearing your high majesty is touch’d With that malignant cause wherein the honour Of my dear father’s gift stands chief in power, I come to tender it and my appliance With all bound humbleness."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The electrical appliance must have been damaged in transit."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "appliance"?
Common synonyms include: accommodation, accouterments, active use, advantage, agent, amenity.
How do you use "appliance" in a sentence?
The electrical appliance must have been damaged in transit.
How do you pronounce "appliance"?
Pronounced /əˈplaɪ.əns/.
Etymology
Recorded since the 1560s. From the English apply + -ance.