English Reference
verb · noun

equip

v. · n.
US /ɪˈkwɪp/ UK /ɪkwˈɪp/ equip UK spelling equips

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to give someone the tools or equipment they need for a job or activity.

    v.to supply with the necessary items or implements for a particular purpose. Transitive; typically takes a direct object and often follows the pattern 'equip someone with something'.

    Simple

    The school will equip every student with a new laptop for the semester.

    In context

    The expedition leaders took great care to equip the team with specialized gear designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of the high altitude.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.to give someone the knowledge or skills they need to succeed.

    v.to prepare someone mentally or intellectually for a task or situation. Often used in educational or professional development contexts.

    Simple

    This course aims to equip you with the skills needed for a career in marketing.

    In context

    The university curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the critical thinking abilities necessary to navigate a rapidly changing job market.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangInformal Computing

    n.the items or weapons a character carries in a video game.

    n.a shortened, uncountable form of 'equipment' used specifically within gaming communities to refer to a character's inventory or gear.

    Simple

    I need to find better equip before I try to fight the final boss.

    In context

    The player spent hours grinding for legendary equip to ensure their character could survive the high-level raid.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun in gaming jargon; standard English requires 'equipment'.

    gearlootloadout

And, ICE plans to equip its officers with electric shock gloves.

NPR· 13 Aug 2026

From French équiper (“to supply, fit out”), originally said of a ship, Old French esquiper (“to embark”); of Germanic origin, most probably from Old Norse skipa (“to man (a ship)”), from Proto-Germanic *skipōną (“to ship, sail, embark”). Compare with Middle High German schipfen, German schiffern, Icelandic skipa, Old English scipian. Doublet of ship.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin gem-pro *skipōną
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated