implement

1 of 2

noun

im·​ple·​ment ˈim-plə-mənt 

1

: a device used in the performance of a task : tool, utensil

2

: one that serves as an instrument or tool

the partnership agreement does not seem to be a very potent implement

—H. B. Hoffman

3

: an article serving to equip

the implements of religious worship

implement

2 of 2

verb

im·​ple·​ment ˈim-plə-ˌment 

implemented; implementing; implements

transitive verb

1

: carry out, accomplish

especially : to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures

2

: to provide instruments or means of expression for

implementer noun

or implementor

ˈim-plə-ˌmen-tər 

Synonyms

Noun

• device
• instrument
• tool
• utensil

Verb

• administer
• apply
• enforce
• execute

Choose the Right Synonym for implement

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of implement in a Sentence

Noun

They eat with us, do the beach with us; the girls, K.C. and Jessica, buy kitchen implements for us, come over to casually straighten up, make beds, clear the dishes from the sink and the bedrooms … —Dave Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, 2000

In the toolhouse … there were also antique implements worn like prehistoric artifacts: an ancient oblong pink whetstone pointed at either end and soapily warped by all its use, and an old-fashioned square hoe worn into a lopsided metal oval … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994

There was a little implement called a lemon zester that she had bought from a door-to-door salesman. —Ann Beattie, New Yorker, 28 Dec. 1987

stone implements used in prehistoric times

a sharp-edged implement used to chop wood

Verb

A federal interagency group should develop and implement a risk management strategy to reduce human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals in food, says a report from the Institute of Medicine … —Bette Hileman, Chemical & Engineering News, 7 July 2003

… drew scattered snickers when he implemented a dress code for Senate staffers … —Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 12 July 1999

States remain years behind in implementing child support regulations … —New York Times, 30 Dec. 1997

I wondered how I might best implement his plan.

Due to high costs, the program was never fully implemented.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The number of hits, clothed or not, or using an implement, all reflect geographical or familial differences in understanding what a spanking is. —Christina Erickson, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025

The architects came through with a 14-foot-long unit, supported by an open metal base, fitted with drawers and cubbies to store supplies and cooking implements. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 22 Apr. 2025

Verb

The bill is also expected to roll back several clean energy provisions implemented under former President Joe Biden and increase spending on defense and border security. —Riley Beggin, USA Today, 13 May 2025

However, these are neither implemented nor disseminated well enough. —Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, "supplementary payment needed to complete the sum due," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, "appurtenances (as furniture or equipment) belonging to a household or property," borrowed from Medieval Latin implēmentum "making up to a full complement (of a former state, extent or value), item contributing to the entirety of a property, appurtenance, fixture," going back to Late Latin, "act of filling, replenishment," from Latin implēre "to fill, provide in full measure, fill up, occupy, amount to, perform, carry out" (from im- im- + plēre "to fill") + -mentum -ment — more at full entry 1

Note: Regarding the currency of the verb plēre in Latin see note at complete entry 1.

Verb

derivative of implement entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

implement

1 of 2 noun

im·​ple·​ment ˈim-plə-mənt 

: an article intended for use in work

implement

2 of 2 verb

im·​ple·​ment ˈim-plə-ˌment 

: to take steps to put into practice : carry out

implement the terms of a treaty

implementation

ˌim-plə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

noun