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 Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix, home to the world’s largest collection of fire apparatus, is seeking the community’s help after recent flood damage.
—
Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Once set, five-year plans act as marching orders for officials across the sprawling apparatus of the government and a guide for businesses, universities and other organizations on how to align their own strategies with the party’s.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In some ways, IndyCar is more independent, where the individual holds more of an onus to deliver versus the entire apparatus.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
The apparatus is an automatic closed system that incorporates a fermentation vat and a centrifuge to simulate lunar gravity.
—David Szondy
october 19, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Once set, five-year plans act as marching orders for officials across the sprawling apparatus of the government and a guide for businesses, universities and other organizations on how to align their own strategies with the party’s.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In some ways, IndyCar is more independent, where the individual holds more of an onus to deliver versus the entire apparatus.
—Nick Remsen, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025
The apparatus is an automatic closed system that incorporates a fermentation vat and a centrifuge to simulate lunar gravity.
—David Szondy
october 19, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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