apparatus

noun

ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrā- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neither party denied that Americans needed to be healthier, but Kennedy and his allies — now in the administration — described the government’s health apparatus as an impediment, a waste of money that had been captured by the pharmaceutical industry. David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 July 2025 This year has been a miserable cascade of losses for the American hurricane-safety apparatus. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 The vestibular apparatus can malfunction, causing dizziness, and this can be compounded by medications. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 The unique apparatus separated the camera body from the sensor, allowing the lens to be even closer to the action. Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparatus

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of apparatus was circa 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

apparatus

noun
ap·​pa·​ra·​tus ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
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 How to pronounce apparatus (audio) -ˈrāt- How to pronounce apparatus (audio)
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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