appliance
Household electrical or mechanical device
A machine in your home that does a special job, usually using electricity, like a fridge, cooker, or washing machine.
an [adjective] appliance; an appliance for [verb+ing]
- They bought several new kitchen appliances, including a dishwasher and a microwave.
- Unplug the appliance before cleaning it to avoid electric shock.
- Modern home appliances are often designed to use less energy.
- The store is having a big sale on major appliances such as fridges and washing machines.
- This small appliance can chop vegetables in just a few seconds.
- We have many appliances in our kitchen.
- This appliance washes our clothes very quickly.
- Please turn off the appliance when you leave the house.
- The fridge is the most important appliance in our home.
- They went to the shop to buy a new cooking appliance.
Medical or dental support device
A special medical or dental device that a person wears on or in the body to help or correct a part of the body, for example braces on the teeth.
an [adjective] appliance; an appliance for [medical purpose]
- The orthodontist adjusted the dental appliance to help straighten her teeth.
- After the accident, he had to wear an orthopedic appliance to support his knee.
- This removable appliance should be taken out while eating and cleaned twice a day.
- The patient was fitted with a breathing appliance to assist with nighttime sleep apnea.
- The dentist gave him a dental appliance for his teeth.
- She wears an appliance on her leg to help her walk.
- This appliance sits in the mouth and moves the teeth slowly.
- The doctor said he must use the appliance every night.
- The nurse showed her how to clean the medical appliance.
Act of applying something (old use)
An old word for the action of using an idea or skill in real life.
the appliance of [something] to [something]
- The report praised the appliance of science to industry, though the phrase now sounds dated.
- In older texts, one sometimes finds references to the appliance of new methods in education.
- The phrase 'the appliance of technology' is occasionally used in a deliberately old-fashioned style.
- In this old book, 'appliance of science' means 'use of science'.
- Today we say 'application', not 'appliance', for this meaning.
- This meaning of 'appliance' is very rare now.
- You may see 'the appliance of technology' in old writing.
- Modern writers almost never use 'appliance' in this way.
- Base: appliance
- Plural: appliances
appliance store
1Shop that sells appliances
A shop where you can buy household machines like fridges, ovens, and washing machines.
- We went to the appliance store to look for a new dishwasher.
- Many appliance stores offer free delivery and installation.
- The local appliance store is having a big clearance sale this weekend.
domestic appliance
1Appliance for use in the home
A home appliance that people use in their houses, not in offices or factories.
- The new rules set energy standards for all domestic appliances sold in the country.
- This brand is a leading manufacturer of domestic appliances in Europe.
- Repairs for domestic appliances are covered under the service contract.
home appliance
1Appliance designed for home use
A machine made to be used in houses or apartments, such as a washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
- The company specializes in energy-saving home appliances.
- Smart home appliances can be controlled from your phone.
- Their new line of home appliances is aimed at small apartments.
household appliance
1Electrical device used in the home
An electrical or mechanical machine used in the home for daily jobs, like a fridge, oven, or washing machine.
- The company makes a wide range of household appliances, from vacuum cleaners to microwaves.
- Energy-efficient household appliances can significantly lower your electricity bill.
- They decided to replace all their old household appliances with modern ones.
kitchen appliance
1Appliance used in the kitchen
A machine in the kitchen that helps you prepare, cook, or store food, like a blender, oven, or fridge.
- The blender is my favorite kitchen appliance.
- Modern kitchen appliances can save you a lot of time when cooking.
- She filled the registry with small kitchen appliances such as a toaster and coffee maker.
major appliance
1Large, expensive household appliance
A big and often expensive home machine, like a fridge, cooker, or washing machine, that you do not move often.
- A refrigerator is considered a major appliance.
- They bought all their major appliances at a discount warehouse.
- The warranty covers major appliances like the oven and dishwasher.
small appliance
1Small, portable household appliance
A small home machine that you can move easily and that does a special job, like a toaster, mixer, or coffee maker.
- The gift registry includes several small appliances for the kitchen.
- She keeps most of the small appliances in a cupboard to save counter space.
- The sale mainly features small appliances such as blenders and kettles.
electrical appliance
1device that uses electricity
A machine or tool that works using electricity.
- The store sells all kinds of electrical appliances.
- Always keep electrical appliances away from water.
- A fridge is an example of an electrical appliance.
- The label lists how much power the electrical appliance uses each year.
- Parents should teach children how to use electrical appliances safely.