noun · 8 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/əˈplaɪ.əns/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -aɪəns
CMU ARPABET:AH0 P L AY1 AH0 N S
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:
A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:
An attachment, a piece of equipment to adapt another tool or machine to a specific purpose.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The act of applying.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, obsolete, uncountable
Examples
1658, Elias Ashmole, The Way to Bliss, London: Nath. Brook, Book 2, Chapter 2 “Of Health,” p. 75, [...] there be three things, and every one full of under-branches belonging to this Art and way of Healing: The first is knowledge of the Diseases: the second is the Remedies against them: and the third of the appliance of Remedies; All which should be traversed in this Discourse.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: application
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, obsolete, uncountable
Examples
c. 1775, Thomas Hull, Moral Tales in Verse, London: George Cawthorn, 1797, Volume 2, “The Advantages of Repentance,” pp. 161-162, With charitable care They rais’d him up, and, by appliance meet, Quicken’d the pulse, and bade it flow anew.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: cure, medicine, remedy
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
Willing service, willingness to act as someone wishes.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, obsolete, rare, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: compliance
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
durable goods for home or office use
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.