apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrā- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
plural apparatuses or apparatus
Synonyms of apparatus
1
a
: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
b
: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together
mitotic apparatus
c
: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
an apparatus for measuring vision
2
: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out
the apparatus of society
: such as
a
: the machinery of government
b
: the organization of a political party or an underground movement

Synonyms of apparatus

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Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet, trapped within the GOP apparatus, his baseline scenario has always been a predictable squeeze in the primary, caught between conservative purists who view him as too centrist and partisan Democrats who hold the financial high ground. — Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 In other words, the profession has built an apparatus whose explicit purpose is to make every auditor’s work converge on a single standard. — Amir Tarighat, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Vivas, speaking to Cadena SER, said arrivals from across Morocco have overwhelmed the city’s social services and security apparatuses over the past few days, with more than 300 people per day. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 31 July 2026 The best non-hospitality seats at a women’s gymnastics final — all-around, team or apparatus finals — or at a track and field evening session cost $2,461. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for apparatus

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin apparātus "act of preparing, display, trappings, equipment," from apparāre "to make ready, make preparations for" (from ad- ad- + parāre "to supply, provide, make ready") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at pare

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apparatus was circa 1628

Phrases Containing apparatus

Rhymes for apparatus

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Browse Nearby Words

apparatchik
apparatus
apparatus criticus
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Cite this Entry

“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

apparatus

noun
ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
: the equipment or material for a particular use or job
laboratory apparatus
2
: a complicated instrument or device

Medical Definition

apparatus

noun
ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
plural apparatuses or apparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function
the respiratory apparatus
see golgi apparatus

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Nglish: Translation of apparatus for Spanish Speakers

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