adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
: something that is adapted
a new adaptation of an old recipe
specifically
: a composition rewritten into a new form
a screen adaptation of a novel
2
: the act or process of adapting
a process undergoing adaptation
: the state of being adapted
adaptation to changing circumstances
3
: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
adaptationally
adverb
Examples of adaptation in a Sentence
His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.
The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.
The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.
a tool designed for easy adaptation
Recent Examples on the Web
Like pandas, these birds have highly specialized behaviors and adaptations to survive on their particular food.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Nikki Toscano and Liz Moore’s adaptation of Moore’s novel is well-meaning, but bloated.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
Chibnall will pen the small screen adaptation of Death at the White Hart, which will be published in two weeks.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Some, like the 2019 movie adaptation of Little Women, play with the story or add in new scenes to appeal to a modern audience.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Nikki Toscano and Liz Moore’s adaptation of Moore’s novel is well-meaning, but bloated.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
Chibnall will pen the small screen adaptation of Death at the White Hart, which will be published in two weeks.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Some, like the 2019 movie adaptation of Little Women, play with the story or add in new scenes to appeal to a modern audience.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
: the act or process of adapting
b
: the state of being adapted
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also
: a structure resulting from this change
3
: something that is adapted
especially
: a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b
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