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

The researchers say the technology can also be applied to other medical equipment, including wheelchairs and headgear. —Monique John, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

The group eventually developed a GPS system that could operate on Deere equipment, which eventually led to AutoTrac, the system that effectively ended farmers’ need to steer a machine while in the cab. —Tyler Jett, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

In Brookhaven, Club Studio — which held its grand opening in October — offers memberships starting at $189 per month, with perks like boutique fitness classes, a spa, steam room, sauna, weightlifting and running equipment and a cafe, according to Donnelly. —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026

The engineering team will additionally remove the cryogenic systems, radiofrequency equipment, as well as other accelerator components that are no longer needed. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 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.