/ ɪˈkwɪpmənt; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity :
a useful piece of equipment for the kitchen
office equipment
new equipment for the sports club
2.
the process of providing a place or person with necessary things :
The equipment of the photographic studio was expensive.
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SYNONYMS
equipment
material ♦ gear ♦ kit ♦ apparatus
These are all words for the things that you need for a particular purpose or activity.
equipment
the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity:
camping equipment
•
a piece of equipment
material
things that are needed for a particular activity:
household cleaning materials
•
teaching material
equipment or material?
Equipment is usually solid things, especially large ones. Materials may be liquids, powders or books, CDs, etc. containing information, as well as small solid items.
gear
the equipment or clothes needed for a particular activity:
Skiing gear can be expensive.
kit
a set of tools or equipment that you use for a particular purpose:
a first-aid kit
•
a tool kit
apparatus
the tools or other pieces of equipment that are needed for a particular activity or task:
breathing apparatus for firefighters
•
laboratory apparatus
equipment or apparatus?
Apparatus is used especially for scientific, medical or technical purposes.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
sports / skiing / camping equipment / gear / kit
household equipment / materials
electrical / electronic equipment / gear / apparatus
medical / breathing equipment / apparatus
a piece of equipment / apparatus
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WORD ORIGIN
early 18th cent.: from French équipement , from équiper equip.