adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
: something that is adapted
a new adaptation of an old recipe
specifically
: a composition rewritten into a new form
a screen adaptation of a novel
2
: the act or process of adapting
a process undergoing adaptation
: the state of being adapted
adaptation to changing circumstances
3
: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
adaptationally
adverb
Examples of adaptation in a Sentence
His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.
The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.
The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.
a tool designed for easy adaptation
Recent Examples on the Web
Sony’s Until Dawn didn’t fare nearly as well, but still managed to make $54 million on a $15 million budget while proving to be a unique way into video game adaptations.
—
Richard Newby, Time, 6 Dec. 2025
The toy company's film division will see cinematic adaptations of Masters of the Universe and Matchbox racecars hit theaters in 2026.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
While many authors — and readers — contend the best approach in a book-and-adaptation situation is to read the source material first, McFadden says her take isn't as simple as that.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Although the film is an adaptation, the idea to use millinery to help build the mythical court dress of Migal Bavel was costume designer Susie Coulthard’s idea.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
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Richard Newby, Time, 6 Dec. 2025
The toy company's film division will see cinematic adaptations of Masters of the Universe and Matchbox racecars hit theaters in 2026.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
While many authors — and readers — contend the best approach in a book-and-adaptation situation is to read the source material first, McFadden says her take isn't as simple as that.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Although the film is an adaptation, the idea to use millinery to help build the mythical court dress of Migal Bavel was costume designer Susie Coulthard’s idea.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
: the act or process of adapting
b
: the state of being adapted
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also
: a structure resulting from this change
3
: something that is adapted
especially
: a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b
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