implement

noun

im·ple·ment | \ˈim-plə-mənt

Definition of implement

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an article serving to equip the implements of religious worship

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

3 : one that serves as an instrument or tool the partnership agreement does not seem to be a very potent implement— H. B. Hoffman

implement

verb

im·ple·ment | \ˈim-plə-ˌment

implemented; implementing; implements

Definition of implement (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from implement Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about implement

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Other Words from implement

Verb

implementation \ ˌim-plə-mən-ˈtā-shən ,

-ˌmen- \ noun

implementer or implementor \ ˈim-plə-ˌmen-tər

\ noun

Synonyms for implement

Synonyms: Noun

device, instrument, tool, utensil

Synonyms: Verb

administer, apply, enforce, execute

Choose the Right Synonym for implement

Noun

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

Despite his large fleet of implements, McCloskey does not farm. — Mitchell Kirk, Post-Tribune, "Cass County man collects tractors from around the world," 6 July 2018 The former physics major — who uses single-length irons, relies on vector putting and implements a single-plane swing — has made plenty of noise with his unorthodox methods. — Dargan Southard, USA TODAY, "Bryson DeChambeau says compass was never meant to 'skirt the rules'," 11 July 2018 Everything about shaving was alien to me; the rituals, the implements and even the necessity. — New York Times, "What My Father Gave Me," 16 June 2018 Brown, a Cubs player whose pitching hand was mangled in a farm-implement mishap. — Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Will Wentworth's cooking at Mordecai earn him another Michelin star?," 8 June 2018 His Fiat implement from the early 1960s came from a junkyard in Illinois. — Mitchell Kirk, Post-Tribune, "Cass County man collects tractors from around the world," 6 July 2018 My furniture was all destroyed and my farming implements were all destroyed or stolen. — John Maccormack, San Antonio Express-News, "Old American colony in Mexico clings to its past," 18 May 2018 The remains of the cargo and various metal implements (like anchors and fittings) are still visible, but the vessel’s hull structures and timbers have vanished. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Two 19th-Century Shipwrecks Discovered During Search for Flight MH370," 10 May 2018 The plan recommends that the Illinois Department of Transportation implement tolls on existing expressways after they are reconstructed to help pay for the projects. — Susan Demar Lafferty, Daily Southtown, "I-80 improvements deemed 'critical' in regional transportation plan," 3 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This administration is really responsible for setting the rules and setting the precedent for some of the ways this new law was going to be implemented. — Eli Rosenberg, chicagotribune.com, "Asbestos sold by Russian company is branded with Trump's face," 11 July 2018 Speed adjustments are already being implemented on loaner vehicles, which are limited to 85 mph, the website said. — Victoria Ballard, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Tesla's new speed control feature dedicated to Fort Lauderdale teen," 1 July 2018 De Leon said this presents an issue because wetlands are endangered and protected, so if the Northpark project were to impact the wetlands in any way, a remediation solution would need to be implemented. — Melanie Feuk, Houston Chronicle, "Northpark Drive expansion estimate grows to nearly $86 million," 29 June 2018 The speakers called for transparency, as well as assurances that a policy separating families would never be implemented again. — Lauren Caruba, San Antonio Express-News, "Protesters rally in Tornillo against federal immigration policies," 24 June 2018 The state is committed to providing free secondary education for all, and although that has not yet been fully implemented, rising grants from central government have brought fees down. — The Economist, "Elite private schools are booming in Kenya," 21 June 2018 The money will be used for programs that implement how people’s traumatic experiences contribute to their substance abuse issues. — Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "CVS to place opioid disposal containers in its stores," 12 July 2018 Smith, who implemented practices that were racially inclusive, was killed by a mob who opposed the Mormom church and its teachings, including polygamy and racial inclusion, in Illinois in 1844. — Mica Mcgriggs, Teen Vogue, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Celebrated the 40-Year Anniversary of the Lifted Ban Against Black Members," 11 July 2018 According to Planet Hockey, the Planet Hockey Development Model implements station based training to teach the latest techniques and systems focused on individual player development. — Alvaro Montano, Houston Chronicle, "Planet Hockey offers young players chance to improve skill set at Willowbrook camp," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'implement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for implement

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin implementum action of filling up, from Latin implēre to fill up, from in- + plēre to fill — more at full

Verb

see implement entry 1

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