Word
adaptor
Phoneticsadap·tor
US/əˈdæptɝ/
UK/ɐdˈæptɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small device that lets you join two things that do not fit together, like a plug and a wall socket.
n. a device that enables connection between incompatible plugs, sockets, or systems, or that converts power or signals for use by different equipment.
Examples
“I use an adaptor to charge my phone abroad.”
“She packs a universal travel adaptor whenever she flies to countries with different wall sockets.”
“The photographer carries a set of lens adaptors that allow vintage glass from the 1970s to function on a modern digital body.”
Examples
simple
“I use an adaptor to charge my phone abroad.”
contextual
“She packs a universal travel adaptor whenever she flies to countries with different wall sockets.”
complex
“The photographer carries a set of lens adaptors that allow vintage glass from the 1970s to function on a modern digital body.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “adaptor” in context.
Verb
01. adaptor fits
“This adaptor fits all European wall sockets perfectly.”
noun + verb
02. adaptor works
“This adaptor works with both phones and laptops.”
noun + verb
03. bring adaptor
“Remember to bring an adaptor for the hotel sockets.”
verb + noun
04. need adaptor
“You will need an adaptor to use a British plug in the US.”
verb + noun
05. plug into adaptor
“Plug your charger into the adaptor first, then into the wall.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. power adaptor
“My laptop won't charge without its power adaptor.”
adj + noun
07. travel adaptor
“Don't forget a travel adaptor for your phone charger in Spain.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. type of adaptor
“This shop sells every type of adaptor for travel.”
noun + prep + noun
09. bring a travel adaptor
“Remember to bring a travel adaptor when you visit London.”
10. need a universal adaptor
“For our trip to Asia, we need a universal adaptor.”
11. plug it into an adaptor
“Plug it into an adaptor before you put it in the wall.”
12. the adaptor doesn't fit
“The adaptor doesn't fit, so I can't charge my phone.”
Etymology
From adapt + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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