Adapter or Adaptor: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Both adapter and adaptor are correct spellings. “Adapter” is the more common and widely accepted form, especially in American English and technology. “Adaptor” is an accepted variant that appears more often in British English.

You may see adapter written on a phone charger but find adaptor in a British instruction manual. This can make it difficult to know which spelling is correct.

The good news is that both forms are accepted. They usually have the same meaning and pronunciation. However, adapter is now the safer choice for most school, business, technical, and international writing. This guide explains the difference, regional preferences, meanings, examples, and common spelling mistakes.

What Is the Difference Between Adapter and Adaptor?

Adapter and adaptor usually refer to the same thing: a device, person, or part that connects, changes, or adjusts something.

The difference is mainly spelling and regional preference.

• Adapter is the standard spelling in American English.
• Adapter is also widely used in modern British English.
• Adaptor is an accepted alternative, especially in British English.
• Both words are normally pronounced the same way.

Spelling	Meaning	Common Usage	Example
Adapter	A device or person that adapts something	American, technical, and international English	I need a travel adapter.
Adaptor	An alternative spelling of adapter	More common in British English	Connect the plug using an adaptor.

In most situations, the spelling does not change the meaning.

What Does Adapter Mean?

An adapter is usually a device that allows one object, system, or connection to work with another.

Common examples include:

• Travel plug adapters
• Phone charging adapters
• USB adapters
• Network adapters
• Power adapters
• Camera lens adapters
• Audio adapters

Examples:

• I bought a travel adapter for my trip.
• The laptop comes with a power adapter.
• You need a USB adapter to connect the device.
• The wireless adapter is not working.
• This lens adapter fits several camera models.

The word may also refer to a person who changes or adapts something.

• The screenwriter was the adapter of the novel.
• A skilled adapter can turn a book into a successful play.

However, this use is less common than the device-related meaning.

What Does Adaptor Mean?

Adaptor has the same basic meaning as adapter. It is an alternative spelling that is more likely to appear in British English.

Examples:

• The package includes a power adaptor.
• Take a plug adaptor when travelling abroad.
• The cable requires a special adaptor.
• Connect the appliance using the correct adaptor.
• The technician replaced the damaged network adaptor.

Although adaptor is correct, many British companies and technology writers also use adapter.

Adapter in American English

American English strongly prefers adapter.

Use adapter when writing for readers in the United States:

• Power adapter
• Travel adapter
• Network adapter
• USB adapter
• AC adapter

Examples:

• The phone adapter is included in the box.
• I forgot to pack my travel adapter.
• Check whether the network adapter is enabled.
• This adapter converts USB-C to HDMI.

The spelling adaptor may be understood by American readers, but it is uncommon and may look unusual.

Adapter or Adaptor in British English

British English accepts both adapter and adaptor.

Traditionally, adaptor has appeared more often in British writing. However, adapter is also common, particularly in:

• Technology
• Electronics
• Computing
• Product descriptions
• International business
• Instruction manuals

Both examples are acceptable in British English:

• I need a new power adapter.
• I need a new power adaptor.

When writing for a British company, check its preferred spelling. If no style rule is provided, adapter is a safe and widely understood choice.

Which Spelling Is Used in Technology?

Adapter is the dominant spelling in modern technology and computing.

Common technical terms include:

• Network adapter
• Display adapter
• Wireless adapter
• Graphics adapter
• Bluetooth adapter
• Power adapter
• USB adapter
• Video adapter

Examples:

• Update the network adapter driver.
• Connect the monitor with an HDMI adapter.
• The wireless adapter allows the computer to access Wi-Fi.
• Replace the damaged power adapter.

Software menus, device settings, product pages, and technical instructions commonly use adapter. Therefore, writers producing technical content should normally choose adapter.

Is It Travel Adapter or Travel Adaptor?

Both expressions are correct.

Travel adapter is more common internationally and is the recommended form for websites, product listings, and travel guides.

Examples:

• Pack a universal travel adapter.
• Check which travel adapter you need before leaving.
• This travel adapter works in several countries.

Travel adaptor may appear in British English:

• She bought a European travel adaptor.
• The hotel provided a plug adaptor.

Whichever spelling you choose, use it consistently throughout the document.

Is It Power Adapter or Power Adaptor?

Both are accepted, but power adapter is more widely used.

A power adapter changes electrical power into a form that a device can use.

Examples:

• The laptop’s power adapter became hot.
• Use only a compatible power adapter.
• The replacement adapter has the correct voltage.
• Disconnect the power adapter before cleaning the device.

British product descriptions may use power adaptor, but adapter is common in both British and American technical writing.

Is It Plug Adapter or Plug Adaptor?

Both forms are correct.

Use plug adapter for American and international audiences:

• You will need a plug adapter in Europe.
• This universal plug adapter has several ports.

Use plug adaptor when following a British style that prefers adaptor:

• Purchase a suitable plug adaptor before travelling.
• Never force a plug into an incompatible adaptor.

The object changes the shape or arrangement of a plug connection. It does not always change the electrical voltage.

Adapter vs Converter

An adapter and a converter are not always the same thing.

An adapter usually changes the shape or connection type so that one plug or device can connect to another.

A converter changes something more significantly, such as electrical voltage, a file format, or a signal.

Device	Main Function	Example
Adapter	Changes a connection or allows compatibility	A USB-C to HDMI adapter
Converter	Changes voltage, format, or signal	A voltage converter
Charger	Supplies power to a battery	A phone charger

For example, a travel plug adapter may allow your plug to fit a foreign socket, but it may not convert the voltage. Always check the device’s electrical requirements before using it.

How Are Adapter and Adaptor Pronounced?

Adapter and adaptor are usually pronounced in the same way.

A simple pronunciation guide is:

uh-DAP-ter

The stress falls on the second syllable.

• Power adapter
• Travel adaptor

The spelling difference does not normally create a difference in pronunciation.

Practical Examples

Examples With Adapter

• Connect the cable using the correct adapter.
• My phone did not come with a charging adapter.
• The technician installed a new network adapter.
• This adapter allows old headphones to connect to the phone.
• Pack a universal adapter for your holiday.
• The camera requires a special lens adapter.

Examples With Adaptor

• The appliance includes a plug adaptor.
• He purchased a replacement power adaptor.
• Use the correct adaptor for the wall socket.
• The shop sells several travel adaptors.
• This adaptor connects the cable to the television.

Examples in Professional Writing

• Please confirm whether the power adapter is included.
• Disconnect the adapter before repairing the device.
• The network adapter must be enabled.
• A replacement adaptor can be ordered from the supplier.
• Store the cable and adapter in a dry place.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect or Inconsistent	Better Version	Why
I need an adaptar.	I need an adapter.	Adaptar is a spelling mistake.
Connect the adpater.	Connect the adapter.	The letters are in the wrong order.
The box includes an adapter and two adaptors.	Use one spelling consistently.	Both are correct, but unnecessary mixing looks careless.
I need a voltage adapter.	I need a voltage converter.	An adapter may not change voltage.
She bought an adaptor for her US website.	She bought an adapter for her US website.	Adapter is preferred in American English.

Mistake 1: Assuming Adaptor Is Incorrect

Adaptor is not necessarily a spelling error. It is an accepted variant, particularly in British English.

However, adapter is more common internationally and is normally better for technical content.

Mistake 2: Mixing the Spellings

Inconsistent:

• Connect the first adapter, and then attach the second adaptor.

Consistent:

• Connect the first adapter, and then attach the second adapter.

Using one spelling throughout makes the document look more professional.

Mistake 3: Confusing an Adapter With a Converter

Incorrect assumption:

• Every travel adapter changes voltage.

Correct explanation:

• A travel adapter changes the plug connection, but a voltage converter changes the voltage.

Some products perform both functions, so always read the product information carefully.

A Simple Memory Tip

Remember:

Adapter is the adaptable spelling.

It is accepted in American English, widely used in British English, and common in technology.

You can also connect the e in adapter with electronics:

• Electronics
• Adapter

This is only a memory aid, but it can help you choose the most common form.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Use adapter when:

• You are writing in American English.
• You are creating technical or computing content.
• You are writing product descriptions.
• Your audience is international.
• You want the most widely recognized spelling.
• No specific style guide has been provided.

Use adaptor when:

• You are following a British style guide that prefers it.
• It is the official spelling used in a product name or document.
• Your organization consistently uses adaptor.

For most writing, the clearest recommendation is:

Use adapter as your default spelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is adapter or adaptor correct?

Both spellings are correct. Adapter is more common in American English, technology, and international writing, while adaptor is an accepted British variant.

Is adaptor incorrect in American English?

Adaptor may be understood, but it is uncommon in American English. Use adapter for a US audience.

Which spelling is preferred in British English?

Both are accepted in British English. Adaptor is a traditional British variant, but adapter is also widely used, especially in technology.

Is it a phone adapter or adaptor?

Phone adapter is the more common form. It is widely used in product descriptions and technical content.

Is it an AC adapter or AC adaptor?

Both are correct, but AC adapter is much more common in technical writing and product labels.

What is the plural of adapter?

The plural is adapters.

• The shop sells several travel adapters.

The plural of adaptor is adaptors.

Are an adapter and a charger the same?

Not always. An adapter manages or changes a connection or electrical supply, while a charger specifically supplies energy to recharge a battery. A product may perform both functions.

Conclusion

Adapter and adaptor are both correct spellings for a device or person that helps something connect, change, or work with something else. Adapter is standard in American English and widely used in technology and international writing. Adaptor remains an accepted British variant.

For school assignments, technical guides, product listings, and global websites, adapter is usually the safest choice. Use adaptor when a British house style or official product wording requires it. Whichever form you select, keep the spelling consistent throughout your content.