instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən 

1

a

instructions plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions

b

: a direction calling for compliance : order

—usually used in plural

had instructions not to admit strangers

c

: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation

d

: precept

prevailing cultural instructions

2

: the action, practice, or profession of teaching

instructional

in-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• behest
• charge
• command
• commandment
• decree
• dictate
• direction
• directive
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• order
• word

Examples of instruction in a Sentence

You should read each instruction carefully.

Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock.

The after-school program offers reading instruction to students who need it.

The computer can handle one million instructions per second.

Recent Examples on the Web

To make coffee jelly: Combine water and gelatin according to the instructions on your box or packet. —USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024

Later that afternoon, Fink called them into the courtroom to give them additional instructions on what to do at an impasse. —Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 25 Apr. 2024

For the uninitiated, the Haggadah is a sort of manual book that is read during the Seder dinner, telling the story of Passover and providing instructions on the more ritualistic parts of the event. —Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024

The airline’s parent, Republic Airways Holdings Inc., founded the commercial aviation pilot school to provide students instruction from experienced pilots. —The Indianapolis Star, 24 Apr. 2024

Greenwood peppered his instruction with stories of his exploits, like one about his narrowest escape, to demonstrate the deadly consequences of fear. —Susan Tate Ankeny, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

In his deposition, taken in 2013, Mr. Graner said that civilian interrogators were among those who gave instructions to the military police. —Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024

One shopper said the finished product looks great once it’s completed, while another shared that the instructions were easy to follow, adding that the set is a beginner-friendly option for anyone who is interested in flowers. —Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

Between Lakshmi and Minter was a scrim of glass, which an assistant periodically fogged up using a clothing steamer and then wiped down, per Minter’s instructions, to create a streaky effect. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing instruction

• programmed instruction
• self-instruction

Kids Definition

instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən 

1

a

: precept

instructions of ethical behavior

b

: command entry 2 sense 2, order

had instructions not to talk to strangers

c

plural : an outline or set of procedures to be followed : directions

instructions for assembling a rocking chair

d

: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation

2

: the action or practice of an instructor or teacher

instructional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion

: an explanation of an applicable principle of law given by a judge to a jury before the jury retires to consider its verdict

called also jury charge, jury instruction

Note: Under both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, at the close of evidence, or before the close if the court reasonably so directs, any party may file written requests for the instructions to be given to the jury by the court. The court must advise the parties of its decision regarding the instructions prior to closing argument so that the parties may address the instructions during argument. Any objections to the instructions must be made before the jury retires for deliberation.