apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs 
-ˈrā-
-ˈrā-
plural apparatuses or 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
Examples of apparatus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nivola, 53, has accumulated the career that working actors recognize as enviable and that the wider awards apparatus has historically overlooked.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 June 2026
Smith was chairman of the House Armed Services Committee then, one of the most powerful positions in Washington's national-security apparatus.
—Nik Popli, Time, 8 June 2026
Overseeing the sprawling security apparatus is a legion of federal agencies, state and local police departments and private entities.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Others refused to use domestic apps, which are known to be monitored by the security apparatus.
—Holly Dagres, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 June 2026
Smith was chairman of the House Armed Services Committee then, one of the most powerful positions in Washington's national-security apparatus.
—Nik Popli, Time, 8 June 2026
Overseeing the sprawling security apparatus is a legion of federal agencies, state and local police departments and private entities.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
Others refused to use domestic apps, which are known to be monitored by the security apparatus.
—Holly Dagres, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
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
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
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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