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
Trump and Musk have dismembered the federal bureaucracy, but its old tendencies are still prevailing; the apparatus clings to the vendors that have delivered results.
—
Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
As of Sunday, Fan’s Weibo account remains active (a deactivation would be one of the first signs a performer has fallen afoul of China’s censorship apparatus) – though some posts railing against the veiled official warning have been removed.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Although power remained narrowly concentrated under Assad, many Alawites occupied key positions in the security apparatus as well as the government.
—Güneş Murat Tezcür, The Conversation, 23 July 2025
They’re projected to cost between $3.5 and $4 million apiece, and, like the rest of the compound, the new buildings will come equipped with a high-level security apparatus that includes cameras, keypad locks, and motion detectors throughout.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
As of Sunday, Fan’s Weibo account remains active (a deactivation would be one of the first signs a performer has fallen afoul of China’s censorship apparatus) – though some posts railing against the veiled official warning have been removed.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Although power remained narrowly concentrated under Assad, many Alawites occupied key positions in the security apparatus as well as the government.
—Güneş Murat Tezcür, The Conversation, 23 July 2025
They’re projected to cost between $3.5 and $4 million apiece, and, like the rest of the compound, the new buildings will come equipped with a high-level security apparatus that includes cameras, keypad locks, and motion detectors throughout.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 July 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 6 Aug. 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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