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
Some people would argue that the basic apparatus of cinema — a camera that then flattens images into two dimensions to be projected on a screen — hasn’t changed much since the Lumière brothers, despite obvious technological advancements.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
But the city’s retailers and manufacturers had no interest in the apparatus.
—Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026
Iran's intelligence and security apparatus, the Revolutionary Guards, and the Iranian military also have depth.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Their apparatus demonstrated quantum key distribution across a distance of 30 centimeters.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
But the city’s retailers and manufacturers had no interest in the apparatus.
—Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026
Iran's intelligence and security apparatus, the Revolutionary Guards, and the Iranian military also have depth.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Their apparatus demonstrated quantum key distribution across a distance of 30 centimeters.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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