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
The film’s reach extended well beyond its initial run, inspiring an American remake, a sequel, and television adaptations in Korea, Japan, Thailand, India and China.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 May 2026
His theater group the Mechanicals is preparing a stage adaptation of a 1974 French-Canadian film called Once Upon a Time in the East, in which Jimmy will play a brassy singer named Carmen — a clear indication that commercial success is not one of its top priorities.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Netflix/Mauricio González The highly anticipated conclusion to the first-ever screen adaptation of Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude), Gabriel García Márquez's iconic novel, will finally arrive in August.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
The movie tweaked Harry’s fatal ending, but the adaptation does something even more striking with his desperation.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 May 2026
His theater group the Mechanicals is preparing a stage adaptation of a 1974 French-Canadian film called Once Upon a Time in the East, in which Jimmy will play a brassy singer named Carmen — a clear indication that commercial success is not one of its top priorities.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Netflix/Mauricio González The highly anticipated conclusion to the first-ever screen adaptation of Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude), Gabriel García Márquez's iconic novel, will finally arrive in August.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
The movie tweaked Harry’s fatal ending, but the adaptation does something even more striking with his desperation.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 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 21 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
