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
In recent years, the world’s largest military apparatuses—the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO—have added climate change to their war games.
—
Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
But when Buck calls Athena (Angela Bassett) in to say goodbye, Bobby reveals there was a hole in the air supply line of his breathing apparatus.
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
San Diego County’s fire department contracts with Cal Fire to staff its fire stations, but the county supplies and owns the apparatus.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The lab's coffee-making apparatuses include an espresso machine, a French press and a pour-over setup.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
But when Buck calls Athena (Angela Bassett) in to say goodbye, Bobby reveals there was a hole in the air supply line of his breathing apparatus.
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
San Diego County’s fire department contracts with Cal Fire to staff its fire stations, but the county supplies and owns the apparatus.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The lab's coffee-making apparatuses include an espresso machine, a French press and a pour-over setup.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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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