What's the Difference Between 'Adapter' and 'Adaptor'?

In this blog post we look at when to use adapter and when to use adaptor.

'Adapter' or 'Adaptor'?

The words "adaptor" and "adapter" are both correct spellings and can be used interchangeably. They refer to a device that allows two different things to be connected or used together, usually by converting one type of connection or interface to another.

For example, an adapter might be used to connect a device with a USB-C port to a device with a USB-A port, or to connect a device that uses a European power plug to a wall outlet that uses a different type of plug.

In general, "adapter" is the more common spelling in American English, while "adaptor" is more common in British English. However, both spellings are used in both regions and are considered acceptable.

Examples of Adapter in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "adaptor":

  1. I need an adapter to connect my laptop to the projector, so I can give a presentation.

  2. The adapter allows me to connect my phone to my car's stereo system, so I can play music from my phone.

  3. My headphones come with a wireless adapter, so I can use them with my TV or computer.

  4. I need to bring an adapter with me on my trip to Australia, because their outlets are different from the ones in the US.

  5. The video game console comes with a component adapter, so you can connect it to your old TV.

  6. I bought a DVI to HDMI adapter so I can use my old computer monitor with my new computer.

  7. The printer doesn't have WiFi, so I need to use a WiFi adapter to connect it to my computer wirelessly.

  8. My phone doesn't have a headphone jack, so I need to use a wireless adapter to use my headphones.

  9. The adapter allows me to connect my old game console to my new TV, which doesn't have the right port.

  10. I brought a dual voltage adapter with me on my trip to China, so I can use my American electronics there.

Examples of Adaptor in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "adaptor":

  1. I need to buy a new adaptor for my laptop, because the old one stopped working.

  2. The adaptor allows me to charge my phone using the USB port on my computer.

  3. My headphones come with a 3.5mm adaptor, so I can use them with my phone or laptop.

  4. We need to bring a travel adaptor with us on our trip to Europe, because the outlets are different from the ones in the US.

  5. The video game console comes with an HDMI adaptor, so you can connect it to your TV.

  6. I bought a VGA to HDMI adaptor so I can use my old computer monitor with my new computer.

  7. The printer doesn't have WiFi, so I need to use a USB adaptor to connect it to my computer.

  8. My phone doesn't have a headphone jack, so I need to use a lightning to 3.5mm adaptor to use my headphones.

  9. The adaptor allows me to connect my old keyboard to my new computer, which uses a different type of port.

  10. I brought a 220v to 110v adaptor with me on my trip to Japan, so I can use my American electronics there.


Adapter or Adaptor
Adapter or Adaptor