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

Roseman assembled every employee involved in the draft process — executives, scouts, coaches, medical staff, training staff, equipment staff, PR staff, kitchen staff — into the team auditorium for a group photo. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Family photos spanning several generations, old pharmaceutical equipment, advertisements and promotional materials from years of business, and a framed Martha Stewart magazine feature are some of the items in the Woodsboro office that indicate the long legacy and evolution of the company. —Gabriella Fine, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026

Basic core stabilization takes a little time to get right, and introducing additional equipment too early can interrupt the learning process. —Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026

For the music portion of the festival, DeRosa has a crew that includes two drivers to help the acts, five hosts to introduce the acts on the various stages and 12 to 15 volunteers to help with equipment, set-up and other needs. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 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.