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
Synonyms
Examples of apparatus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Now the Trump campaign is corralling the entire GOP apparatus around a crusade that has the effect of undermining faith in the rule of law.
—
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 31 May 2024
In one photo, Lea, appeared to be hanging upside down from a playground apparatus with her long blonde hair covering her face.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024
The Chinese Communist Party has long wielded perhaps the world’s most sweeping surveillance apparatus against activists and others who might possibly voice discontent.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 25 May 2024
It was spread on social media by people who have long had links with the Kremlin’s state media apparatus.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus 
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 31 May 2024
In one photo, Lea, appeared to be hanging upside down from a playground apparatus with her long blonde hair covering her face.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024
The Chinese Communist Party has long wielded perhaps the world’s most sweeping surveillance apparatus against activists and others who might possibly voice discontent.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 25 May 2024
It was spread on social media by people who have long had links with the Kremlin’s state media apparatus.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparatus
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apparatus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near apparatus
Cite this Entry
“Apparatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparatus. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
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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