apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs  -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

Synonyms of apparatus

• equipment
• gear

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Horses brought the firefighting apparatus and a big steed, aptly named Goliath, sensed the danger and ran out of the way, not before being injured. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026

Argonne researchers used the Argonne Tandem Hall Laser Beamline for Atom and Ion Spectroscopy (ATLANTIS) apparatus to make precise measurements of unstable ruthenium nuclei. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026

This authoritarian apparatus has relied on mass killings to ensure its survival while ignoring the basic and inalienable rights of citizens—including the fundamental right to seek change in the political system. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 1 Feb. 2026

Other artists of this era sought to intervene, guerrilla style, in the apparatuses of advertising, in order to shake consumers from their hypnotic slumber. —Michael Cowan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin apparātus "act of preparing, display, trappings, equipment," from apparāre "to make ready, make preparations for" (from ad- ad- + parāre "to supply, provide, make ready") + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at pare

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing apparatus

• Golgi apparatus

Rhymes for apparatus

• superlattice
• beatus
• flatus
• gratis
• lattice
• rattus
• satis
• status
• stratus

Kids Definition

apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs  -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- 

plural apparatuses or apparatus

: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function

the respiratory apparatus

see golgi apparatus