adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
: something that is adapted
a new adaptation of an old recipe
specifically
: a composition rewritten into a new form
a screen adaptation of a novel
2
: the act or process of adapting
a process undergoing adaptation
: the state of being adapted
adaptation to changing circumstances
3
: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
adaptationally
adverb
Examples of adaptation in a Sentence
His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.
The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.
The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.
a tool designed for easy adaptation
Recent Examples on the Web
It is based on the 2023 book of the same name by Jack Jordan, who has signed a development deal at 20th TV, with series adaptations of his novels Redemption (2024) and Deception (2026) in the works.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
The stage adaptation is written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith and will be directed by Martin Constantine.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
My issue isn’t with the liberties themselves—every good adaptation takes its share of them.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
One of the most recent adaptations of the novel, the 2011 version by Andrea Arnold, notably leaned into this aspect of the book by casting the multiracial James Howson as Heathcliff.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
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Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
The stage adaptation is written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith and will be directed by Martin Constantine.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
My issue isn’t with the liberties themselves—every good adaptation takes its share of them.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
One of the most recent adaptations of the novel, the 2011 version by Andrea Arnold, notably leaned into this aspect of the book by casting the multiracial James Howson as Heathcliff.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
: the act or process of adapting
b
: the state of being adapted
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also
: a structure resulting from this change
3
: something that is adapted
especially
: a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b
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