equipment

noun

equip·​ment i-ˈkwip-mənt 

1

a

: the set of articles or physical resources serving to equip a person or thing: such as

(1)

: the implements used in an operation or activity : apparatus

sports equipment

(2)

: all the fixed assets other than land and buildings of a business enterprise

(3)

: the rolling stock of a railway

b

: a piece of such equipment

2

a

: the equipping of a person or thing

b

: the state of being equipped

3

: mental or emotional traits or resources : endowment

Synonyms of equipment

• gear
• apparatus
• facilities
• stuff
• kit
• hardware
• material(s)

Examples of equipment in a Sentence

The photographer came early to set up his equipment.

I'm looking for a hobby that doesn't require a lot of fancy equipment.

an expensive piece of medical equipment

Not enough funds were provided for the equipment of the troops.

Recent Examples on the Web

For years, states have used incentives and tax breaks to compete for data centers, sought for their massive investment in construction and equipment. —Kevin Hardy, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026

The money can pay for items like school buses and cargo handling equipment that replace older, dirtier diesel sources. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026

Unfortunately for the infantry, shotguns aren't something that every soldier can carry as standard equipment. —David Szondy april 19, New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026

Hoyos’ coaching staff, which was introduced on Saturday, includes assistant coach Rafael Perez, goalkeeper coach Diter Alquiza, performance coach Sebastien Fabres, Analyst Javier Zerpa, physician Luis Rodriguez, trainer Juan Mesa, trainer Stevens Sanchez, equipment manager Edis Miftari. —Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing equipment

• original equipment manufacturer
• personal protection equipment
• personal protective equipment
• re-equipment

Rhymes for equipment

• transhipment
• transshipment
• shipment

Kids Definition

equipment

noun

equip·​ment i-ˈkwip-mənt 

1

a

: the act of equipping a person or thing

b

: the state of being equipped

2

: the articles serving to equip a person or thing

Legal Definition

equipment

noun

equip·​ment

: the implements used in an operation or activity

specifically, in the Uniform Commercial Code : goods that are not inventory, farm products, or consumer goods

Note: This definition, found in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, applies to other Code articles as well.