charger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal to Neutral (primary electronic sense); Formal (historical/horse senses).
Quick answer
What does “charger” mean?
A device for supplying electrical power to a battery or other device.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device for supplying electrical power to a battery or other device.
Also, historically, a warhorse, a large flat dish/platter, or a person/thing that charges (e.g., in a battle).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The electronic sense is universal. The 'platter' sense is primarily British (often 'serving charger').
Connotations
UK: 'Charger' for a platter may evoke formal dining. The horse sense is literary/historical. US: Almost exclusively electronic; 'platter' sense is rare/unknown to many.
Frequency
Electronic sense is equally dominant in both. The 'large dish' sense is significantly more common in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “charger” in a Sentence
charger for [device]charger to [verb phrase]charger plugged into [socket/port]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's chargers in headfirst.
- The cavalry chargered the line.
American English
- The bull chargers at the matador.
- The prosecutor chargers the defendant.
adverb
British English
- He rode charger-like into the fray.
- The team moved charger-fast.
American English
- He ran charger-quick to the goal.
- Prices rose charger-swift.
adjective
British English
- The charger plate was made of silver.
- A charger regiment (historical).
American English
- The charger cable is frayed.
- A charger station for EVs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In logistics, 'charger' can refer to a forklift or person responsible for charging batteries. In retail, a common consumer electronics accessory.
Academic
Rare in core academic texts. Appears in technical writing on electrical engineering (battery charging circuits).
Everyday
Extremely common in the context of mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
Technical
A device that provides controlled electrical energy to recharge a secondary cell or battery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “charger”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “charger”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charger”
- Using 'charger' to mean the cord only (it's the whole device).
- Confusing 'charger' (noun) with 'to charge' (verb).
- Spelling: 'chargrer' or 'chager'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for phones, it applies to any rechargeable device: laptops, tablets, electric toothbrushes, electric vehicles (EV charger), etc.
The charger is the block or unit that plugs into the wall and regulates power. The cable (e.g., USB-C) connects the charger to the device. Sometimes they are integrated.
No, 'charger' is a noun. The verb is 'to charge'. The -er suffix indicates an agent (a thing or person that performs the action of the verb).
It's a large, decorative base plate placed under a dinner plate or bowl during formal table settings, often used in British and formal American dining. The food is not eaten directly from it.
A device for supplying electrical power to a battery or other device.
Charger is usually informal to neutral (primary electronic sense); formal (historical/horse senses). in register.
Charger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑː.dʒər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːr.dʒɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Running on fumes (related to needing a charge)”
- “I left my charger in the car (common complaint)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a medieval KNIGHT on a CHARGER (horse) delivering a powerful 'charge'. Now, imagine your PHONE on its little 'charger' delivering an electrical charge.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS A FLUID/LIFEFORCE (The charger 'fills up' or 'revives' the device).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, a 'charger' can also refer to a: