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

• equipment
• gear

Examples of apparatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the crackdown of 2021, Cuba’s state security apparatus told him to leave the country or face arrest. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Director and photographer Jordan Hemingway brings the collection to life in a campaign starring athletes from gymnastics, pole dancing, cycling and calisthenics, but with all their usual apparatus removed. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025

The wind traders are teased throughout the new trailer in what appear to be large flying apparatus. —Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Khrushchev sought to revive revolutionary elan and push the USSR to the final stage of history, the transition from socialism to communism, during which the state apparatus would finally wither away. —Benjamin Nathans september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025

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