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
Whether Bongino ultimately decides to resign remains uncertain, though his potential departure would represent another high-profile personnel change within the administration's law enforcement apparatus.
—
Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Mic Mac Campground has a robust security apparatus, owner Katherine Lunt told ABC News.
—Stefan Joyce, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Easily half the nuptial weekend’s Figaro-esque comedy was brought by the great chase given by the guests and the attendant Sanchez/Bezos party-planning and security apparatus to the coursing hounds of the international press.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Ring Sheared Drop — Continuing a multi-week fluids physics experiment, Nichole Ayers worked with an apparatus mounted inside a microgravity glove box in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory to see if surface tension can be used to isolate liquids from their containers' walls.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Mic Mac Campground has a robust security apparatus, owner Katherine Lunt told ABC News.
—Stefan Joyce, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Easily half the nuptial weekend’s Figaro-esque comedy was brought by the great chase given by the guests and the attendant Sanchez/Bezos party-planning and security apparatus to the coursing hounds of the international press.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Ring Sheared Drop — Continuing a multi-week fluids physics experiment, Nichole Ayers worked with an apparatus mounted inside a microgravity glove box in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory to see if surface tension can be used to isolate liquids from their containers' walls.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 June 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 21 Jul. 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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