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

• accoutrements
• accouterments
• apparatus
• gear
• hardware
• kit [chiefly British]
• material(s)
• matériel
• materiel
• outfit
• paraphernalia
• stuff
• tackle

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

Soldiers wear new jackets Their officers were pleased, too, with the new combat jackets the soldiers wear instead of the old web equipment and cumbersome pack. —Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2024

Until recently, the city leased part of the Oceanside Boulevard property to Hobie Cat, which made kayaks and other equipment there. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

Program participants have space to practice working on mechanical equipment and work with flight simulators. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 30 May 2024

The racks and racks of analog equipment and massive mixing boards can largely be replicated by digital plugins and hardware a fraction of the size (and cost). —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 30 May 2024

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

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.