To save this word, you'll need to log in.
ad·ap·ta·tion | \ ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
, -dəp- \
, -dəp- \Definition of adaptation
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
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from adaptation
adaptational \ ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shnəl , -shə-nᵊl , -dəp- \ adjective
, -shə-nᵊl , -dəp- \ adjectiveadaptationally 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
See More
Recent Examples on the Web But Gerwig did not receive a nod for directing her acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel.
—
Bethonie Butler, Washington Post, "The biggest female director Oscar snubs of the past decade," 7 Feb. 2020 The Musical, meanwhile, represents a homecoming of sorts, given that the original 1990 Julia Roberts-Richard Gere film — and its stage adaptation — contains scenes set on Hollywood Blvd.
—
Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, ""Broadway in Hollywood" Brings 'Moulin Rouge!,' 'The Cher Show' to L.A.," 4 Feb. 2020 Elmer Rice had written the original play in 1929; for his musical adaptation, Weill worked with song lyrics deftly crafted by the African-American poet Langston Hughes.
—
The Economist, "Time for a curtain call A new interpretation of “Street Scene”, a seminal dramatic musical," 3 Feb. 2020 The streamer has debuted the first teaser for its upcoming adaptation of the Sally Rooney novel, ahead of their press day during Friday’s Television Critics Association tour.
—
David Canfield, EW.com, "Sally Rooney's Normal People becomes steamy TV romance in first teaser," 17 Jan. 2020 Watering: Less is more An advantage and a disadvantage of succulents as houseplants is their adaptation to survive without water.
—
NBC News, "Kill all your plants? These low-maintenance options require minimal watering," 14 Jan. 2020 Follow Timmy Turtle on his hilarious journey to discover his adaptations and his best contest.
—
Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, "Got cabin fever? The Medina County Park District offers indoor and outdoor programs in February," 8 Jan. 2020 One way in which Gerwig distinguishes her adaptation is by getting fancy with the timeline.
—
Barbara Vandenburgh, azcentral, "‘Little Women’: What director Greta Gerwig gets exactly right in this retelling," 25 Dec. 2019 With her film adaptation, Gerwig re-embroiders and reinforces that unspoken reassurance.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Greta Gerwig’s Invigorating Little Women Adaptation Is Pure Pleasure to Watch," 23 Dec. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adaptation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for adaptation
adaptation
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of adaptation
: something that is adapted especially : a movie, book, play, etc., that is changed so that it can be presented in another form
: a change in a plant or animal that makes it better able to live in a particular place or situation
: the process of changing to fit some purpose or situation : the process of adapting
See the full definition for adaptation in the English Language Learners Dictionary
adaptation
nounad·ap·ta·tion | \ ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən \
\Kids Definition of adaptation
1 : the act or process of changing to better suit a situation
2 : a body part or feature or a behavior that helps a living thing survive and function better in its environment
adaptation
nounad·ap·ta·tion | \ ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp- \
\Medical Definition of adaptation
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
Other Words from adaptation
adaptational \ -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl \ adjective
\ adjectiveadaptationally \ -ē \ adverb
\ adverbKeep scrolling for more
Comments on adaptation
What made you want to look up adaptation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Dictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share adaptation
Time Traveler for adaptation
The first known use of adaptation was in 1597
See more words from the same year