1. a piece of equipment or a tool designed for a particular purpose
2. a plan or scheme for achieving something
3. a literary technique used to achieve a particular effect
Usage: literary

Examples

• She used a special device to measure the temperature.
• The smartphone is a useful communication device.
• His plan was just a device to avoid responsibility.
• The author used flashbacks as a narrative device.
• The security device detected motion in the hallway.
• They invented a device that saves energy.
• The plot device helped explain the character’s motivation.