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 district is also looking at how to pay for aging equipment including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, which could require at least $500,000 in budget increases. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026

Trump said Iran has no anti-aircraft equipment or radar anymore. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

For a more active approach to wellbeing, the second-floor gym offers treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight-training equipment, and hosts yoga and pilates sessions. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026

With no one aboard, the Artemis I capsule lacked life-support equipment and other crew essentials like a water dispenser and toilet. —Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 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.