Appliance: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：household machine (appliance)

appliance 🔊

/əˈplaɪəns/

A machine made for doing specific tasks at home, like cooking, cleaning, or keeping food fresh.

Appliance definition illustrated with modern kitchen appliances like a refrigerator and microwave.

household machine 🔊

➕

/ˈhaʊs.hoʊld məˈʃiːn/

A device or machine designed for a specific domestic purpose, such as cooking, cleaning, or refrigeration, typically electrical and used in homes.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'applicare' (to apply), via Old French. Root: ap- (to) + plic (fold).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'apply' + 'liance' – a device that applies effort to tasks at home.

📖 Example

After saving up for months, Lisa finally bought a new appliance-a smart refrigerator that can remind her when groceries are running low. 🔊 After months of saving, Lisa purchased a smart refrigerator, an appliance that alerts her when groceries are low.

🔗 Collocations

kitchen appliance – A machine used in the kitchen for cooking or food preparation.

home appliance – A device designed for use in domestic settings to perform various tasks.

electrical appliance – An appliance that operates using electricity.

🔄 Synonyms

device (n.) – A piece of equipment made for a particular purpose.

gadget (n.) – A small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use.

machine (n.) – An apparatus using mechanical power to perform a function.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'applicantia,' meaning application. Entered English in the 16th century, initially for the act of applying, later specialized to mechanical devices for household tasks.