DictionaryAI

apparatus

noun
ap-uh-RAY-tuhs/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Pluralapparatuses, apparatusses, apparatus

4 meanings of apparatus

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    The machines, tools, or equipment used for a particular job.

    Like a special machine built to do just one job.

    The science teacher showed us a strange apparatus made of glass tubes.

    This apparatus heats the water and turns it into steam.

    UsagePlural apparatuses or apparatus (not incorrect: apparati).

    Similarequipment, device, machine, gear, instrument

  2. 2
    nouncountable
    The whole system of people, rules, and means that makes something like a government, party, or industry work.

    The new mayor wanted to change the city's huge apparatus of officials.

    The party apparatus decided who would get the best jobs.

    UsageOften after a noun: party apparatus, state apparatus.

    Similarmachinery, system, structure, organization, network

    Note
  3. 3
    fire trucknouncountable or uncountable
    A truck or vehicle used to respond to fires and other emergencies.

    Like an ambulance, but for firefighters.

    The fire apparatus raced down the street with its sirens on.

    Two pieces of apparatus arrived at the crash within minutes.

    UsageSay three pieces of apparatus.

    Note
  4. 4
    nouncountable or uncountable
    The equipment gymnasts use, like bars and beams, or hoops and ribbons.

    Like the different stations in a gym, each one for a different exercise.

    The young gymnast climbed onto the apparatus carefully.

    He practices on each apparatus for an hour every day.

    UsageUse on for bars and beams, and with for hoops and ribbons.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from the Latin word apparātus.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact