device: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/dɪˈvaɪs/·dih-VYSS

Device (noun) means a machine or tool made for a particular purpose.

What does “device” mean?

  1. 1

    nouna machine or tool made for a particular purpose

    Please turn off all electronic devices.
  2. 2

    nouna method or technique used to produce an effect, especially in writing

    Repetition is a common literary device.
  3. 3

    nouna bomb or explosive weapon

    Police found an explosive device in the car.

Device at a glance

Part of speech
noun
CEFR level
B1 (intermediate)
Pronunciation
/dɪˈvaɪs/ · dih-VYSS

How to use “device” correctly

Noun “device” ends in /s/; verb “devise” ends in /z/. “Leave someone to their own devices” means let them do what they want.

Common phrases with “device”

  • literary device
  • mobile device
  • leave sb to their own devices

Word family

  • devise

“device” is on these word lists

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