Meaning & use
converters
Last updated
“converters” is a form of “converter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Devices that change something from one form, use, or system into another.
Grammar: Plural countable noun; the singular is 'converter', used with a/an: a converter, two converters.
Patterns
- converters for something
- converters that do something
- a pair of converters
The travel shop sells plug adapters and voltage converters for different countries.
These converters turn old video files into a format your phone can play.
Engineers installed new signal converters along the railway line.
nounpluraltechnical
People or machines in industry that change a material into a more useful form.
Grammar: Technical plural noun; often used in business or manufacturing contexts with 'steel', 'catalytic', etc.
Patterns
- steel converters
- catalytic converters
- converters in a factory
The steel plant uses huge converters to turn raw iron into steel.
Catalytic converters reduce harmful gases from car exhaust.
Modern converters in the factory are controlled by computers.
Word forms
| singular | converter |
|---|---|
| plural | converters |
Common combinations
- voltage converter
- You need a voltage converter if you take your hairdryer abroad.
- catalytic converter
- The mechanic said the catalytic converter needed replacing.
- file converter
- I used a free file converter to change the document into a PDF.
- analog-to-digital converter
- The microphone connects through an analog-to-digital converter.
Synonyms and how they differ
- adapter
- An adapter usually changes a plug or connection shape, while a converter changes the actual form of power or data.
- transformer
- A transformer is a specific electrical device that changes voltage; a converter is a broader term for many kinds of change.
Word family
- convert verb
- To change something into a different form or use.
- conversion noun
- The act or process of changing something.
- convertible adjective
- Able to be changed into a different form or use.
Commonly confused: converters or convertor?
converters vs convertor
A less common spelling of the same word; 'converter' is the usual spelling in modern English.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'converters' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Converters' is a plural noun, so it fits as the subject of 'change' in option B. Options A, C, and D use 'converters' as a verb, but the verb is 'convert' (she converts, he is a converter, they convert).
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “converters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.