apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌa-pə-ˈra-təs 
-ˈrā-
-ˈrā-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
a
: a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
b
: a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together
mitotic apparatus
c
: an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation
an apparatus for measuring vision
2
: the functional processes by means of which a systematized activity is carried out
the apparatus of society
: such as
a
: the machinery of government
b
: the organization of a political party or an underground movement
Examples of apparatus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That year, the American political apparatus stepped to the pulpit to denigrate the activists: Tom Cotton, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden, Eric Adams.
—
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus.
—Heran Mamo, Billboard, 16 May 2025
The 444th Brigade, a unit under Libya's Defense Ministry, was involved in the clashes with the apparatus forces.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The reps said both of Peterson’s lungs collapsed and that he was placed on a breathing apparatus.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
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Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus.
—Heran Mamo, Billboard, 16 May 2025
The 444th Brigade, a unit under Libya's Defense Ministry, was involved in the clashes with the apparatus forces.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The reps said both of Peterson’s lungs collapsed and that he was placed on a breathing apparatus.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
1
: the equipment or material for a particular use or job
laboratory apparatus
2
: a complicated instrument or device
Medical Definition
apparatus
noun
ap·pa·ra·tus
ˌap-ə-ˈrat-əs
-ˈrāt-
-ˈrāt-
plural apparatuses or apparatus
: a group of anatomical and cytological parts having a common function
the respiratory apparatus
see golgi apparatus
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