# adapter

/əˈdæptɝ/ (US) · /ɐdˈæptɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/adapter
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. electronic/mechanical connector

noun · CEFR B1

a device that lets you connect two pieces of equipment that were not designed to fit together.

For teachers: a hardware device or component used to achieve operative compatibility between otherwise incompatible interfaces or systems.

- I needed a travel adapter to plug my laptop into the wall in London.
- The technician used a specialized adapter to bridge the legacy hardware with the modern digital interface, ensuring data could flow without interruption.

Usage: Often used with 'for' or 'to' to specify the connection type.

### 2. creative writer

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who changes a book or a play so it can be made into a film or television show.

For teachers: a person who modifies a literary or artistic work for a different medium or purpose.

- The adapter of the novel won an award for the screenplay.
- As a skilled adapter of classical texts, she managed to preserve the original's poetic meter while making the dialogue accessible to a contemporary audience.

### 3. flexible person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

someone who is good at changing their behavior to fit into new situations.

For teachers: an individual capable of adjusting their behavior or strategy to suit differing environmental or social conditions.

- He is a quick adapter who feels at home in any country.
- In a rapidly shifting corporate landscape, the most successful executives are often those who prove themselves to be versatile adapters to new technology.

## Examples

- I need a travel adapter for my laptop charger.
- Since the old monitor only has a VGA port, you will need a digital adapter to connect it to your new computer.
- The technician recommended a universal adapter to ensure compatibility between the legacy audio equipment and the modern digital recording interface.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.