equipment

Everyday

The tools, machines, clothes and other things you need for a particular job, sport or activity. tree →

In the lessons

In science, equipment means things like beakers, test tubes, thermometers, magnifying glasses and measuring cylinders; we use it carefully and wear safety goggles when needed. In PE and sport, equipment includes balls, bats, cones and helmets; safety equipment (helmets, knee pads, life jackets) protects you. In everyday life, camping equipment includes tents and sleeping bags. Phrases: "sports equipment", "safety equipment", "a piece of equipment", "PE equipment", "put the equipment away".

Examples

• Please put the PE equipment back in the cupboard. tree →
• We need equipment like goggles and gloves for this experiment. tree →
• A helmet is important safety equipment for cycling. tree →
• The hospital has lots of special equipment. tree →
• Camping equipment can be heavy to carry. tree →
• Each group got a piece of equipment to measure with. tree →
• Check the equipment before you start. tree →
• The diving equipment included a mask and flippers. tree →
• Fionn and the champions looked on this gentleman, and they admired exceedingly his bearing and equipment. tree →

Note

Uncountable: say "some equipment", "a piece of equipment", "lots of equipment" — never "an equipment" or "equipments". It takes a singular verb: "The equipment is ready." Spelling: e-q-u-i-p-m-e-n-t (from "equip").