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
At first, compensation is a useful adaptation that keeps you functioning when something isn’t working optimally.
—
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That’s because this anime is actually the second series adaptation of the manga by sibling duo Yuko and Shin Kibayashi; the first, a French-American-Japanese co-production, premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023 and just wrapped up its second season this March.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
Some fans have already suggested an adaptation of Luigi's Mansion.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Bayan Wolcott is attached to write and executive produce the adaptation, with Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler executive producing on behalf of Proximity Media.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
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show current usage.
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Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That’s because this anime is actually the second series adaptation of the manga by sibling duo Yuko and Shin Kibayashi; the first, a French-American-Japanese co-production, premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023 and just wrapped up its second season this March.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
Some fans have already suggested an adaptation of Luigi's Mansion.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Bayan Wolcott is attached to write and executive produce the adaptation, with Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler executive producing on behalf of Proximity Media.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 3 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 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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