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

• gear
• apparatus
• facilities
• kit [chiefly British]
• hardware
• stuff
• 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 location had issues including unsafe food temperatures, pest activity, poor sanitation and equipment deficiencies. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2025

For cushions, kids toys, blankets, garden tools, and sports equipment, check out the Malibu Metal Storage Trunk that’s 65% off, or grab a handy pool storage tower for pool toys, towels, and cleaning tools. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025

Military budget As personnel costs rise faster than procurement costs, China is likely to face a crowding-out effect—more money for people means less for equipment. —Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

Orleans Parish is asking for $15 million in limited tax bonds to use for upkeep of jails and replacing security and surveillance equipment. —Emilee Calametti, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, 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.