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
The design has also taken on a life of its own, seemingly far from Freedom 250’s publicity apparatus.
—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
Hearn also donated to Democratic fundraising apparatus ActBlue 10 times while also contributing to Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns five times, an administration official told Fox News Digital.
—
Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Much of this anti-Constitutional apparatus was scrapped after the war.
—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
That apparatus does not exist for most Main Street transactions.
—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
Hearn also donated to Democratic fundraising apparatus ActBlue 10 times while also contributing to Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns five times, an administration official told Fox News Digital.
—
Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Much of this anti-Constitutional apparatus was scrapped after the war.
—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
That apparatus does not exist for most Main Street transactions.
—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
30 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 5 Jul. 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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