e ‧ quip ‧ ment S2 W2 AC /ɪˈkwɪpmənt/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ equip ; noun : ↑ equipment ; adjective : equipped]
1 . [uncountable] the tools, machines etc that you need to do a particular job or activity:
a shop selling camping equipment
some brand new computer equipment
a very useful piece of equipment
GRAMMAR
Equipment is an uncountable noun and has no plural form. Use a singular verb after it:
▪
Make sure all equipment is properly labelled.
You can refer to one or more pieces/items/bits of equipment :
▪
All items of equipment remain the property of the company.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say stuff or, in British English, things rather than equipment :
▪
Have you got your tennis stuff?
2 . [singular] the process of equipping someone or something
equipment of
A lot of money was spent on the equipment of the new hospital.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ phrases
▪ a piece of equipment
When you buy an expensive piece of equipment, you need to insure it.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + equipment
▪ new/modern/up-to-date
The factory has some of the most up-to-date equipment available.
▪ military equipment
The sale of military equipment to the regime is banned.
▪ medical equipment
life-saving medical equipment
▪ electrical/electronic equipment
The store sells a wide range of electrical equipment.
▪ computer/video/stereo etc equipment
Ageing computer equipment should be replaced, not upgraded.
▪ essential/necessary/vital equipment
A compass is essential equipment when hiking.
▪ standard equipment (=the equipment that is in a car, which does not cost extra to have)
Standard equipment on this model includes airbags, climate control and cruise control.
▪ special equipment
You don’t need any special equipment, just a pair of running shoes.
▪ office equipment
office equipment, such as photocopiers and printers
▪ heavy equipment
The truck has to be able to carry tanks and other heavy equipment.
▪ safety/protective equipment
Employers must provide safety equipment, and make sure it is used.
▪ sporting/camping/skiing etc equipment
Can you help me load the camping equipment into the boot, please?
■ verbs
▪ use equipment
Mr Gomez will now demonstrate how to use the equipment safely.
▪ provide/supply equipment
a contract to supply drilling equipment to the mine
▪ install equipment
We are installing new computerized equipment in place of the old machines.
▪ need/require equipment
For scuba diving, you’ll need specialized equipment.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ equipment noun [uncountable] the machines, tools, or objects that you use for doing something:
All the camping equipment is in the garage.
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You’ll do a better job if you have the right equipment.
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We are raising money for equipment for our playgroup.
▪ gear noun [uncountable] informal equipment and clothes for an activity that you do in your spare time:
We loaded all our gear into the boat, and set off to go fishing.
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I’ve decided to sell my climbing gear.
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camping gear
▪ kit noun [countable] things for a particular purpose or activity, especially ones kept together in their own container:
You’ll find a hammer in my tool kit.
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Do you have a first aid kit?
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You can buy a special kit for damp-proofing your home.
▪ apparatus noun [uncountable] tools and machines used for scientific, medical, and technical purposes:
This experiment can be performed using the apparatus shown in the diagram.
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Astronauts have special breathing apparatus.
▪ stuff noun [uncountable] informal equipment that you use to do something:
The builders have left all their stuff round the back of the house.
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Where’s the decorating stuff?
▪ things noun [plural] informal especially British English the equipment or clothes that you need for a particular activity:
She went into the shed where her father kept his gardening things.
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They got all the Christmas things out of the loft.
▪ paraphernalia noun [uncountable] written a lot of small things that are used for a particular purpose:
All the paraphernalia for making tea and coffee stood on the bedside table.
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The police found drug paraphernalia all over the house.