appliance

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A machine or device, especially one used in the home, that is designed to do a particular job.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'an appliance', 'appliances', or 'a kitchen appliance'.

   Patterns

   • a household appliance
   • a kitchen appliance
   • an electrical appliance
   • appliances and devices

   The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, including a dishwasher and a microwave.

   Always unplug an electrical appliance before cleaning it.

   The store sells a wide range of home appliances.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A device or tool used for a specific purpose in industry, medicine, or technology.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with a modifier like 'medical' or 'industrial'.

   Patterns

   • a medical appliance
   • an industrial appliance
   • a dental appliance

   The surgeon used a specialized appliance to stabilize the bone.

   Industrial appliances must meet strict safety standards.

   The orthodontist fitted her with a dental appliance.

Word forms

Common combinations

household appliance

Washing machines and refrigerators are common household appliances.

electrical appliance

Don't overload the socket with too many electrical appliances.

kitchen appliance

A blender is a useful kitchen appliance.

appliance store

We bought our new oven at an appliance store.

Synonyms and how they differ

device

A more general word for any piece of equipment, not necessarily for the home.

gadget

Suggests a small, clever tool, often electronic; less formal than 'appliance'.

machine

Can be larger and more industrial; 'appliance' is usually for domestic or specialized equipment.

Word family

apply verb

To make a formal request or to put something to use.

applicable adjective

Relevant or appropriate to a situation.

Commonly confused: appliance or appliance?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “appliance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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