instruction

noun

Save Word

in·struc·tion | \ in-ˈstrək-shən

Definition of instruction

1a instructions plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions

b : a direction calling for compliance : order —usually used in pluralhad 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

Other Words from instruction Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about instruction

Keep scrolling for more

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 Investigators are looking into several safety concerns that include staff training for emergencies, safety instructions to passengers and whether there was a night watchman on duty when the fire broke out. — Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, "Charges in California boat fire may hinge on 1838 law. Here's why," 11 Sep. 2019 The moving stick people were made by Language2Pose, a new computer model that generates animations from text instructions. — Scientific American, "Drenchable Drones, Prickly Cells and Face-Tracked Chimps: Science GIFs to Start Your Week," 16 Sep. 2019 From a booth in the MassMutual Center exhibit hall, the Markey campaign handed out neon-green T-shirts, rally signs, and instructions to meet up around noon. — BostonGlobe.com, "At the convention, activists offered divided views on the prospect of a Kennedy-Markey showdown.," 15 Sep. 2019 Follow label instructions Spread wildflower seed this month to produce spring blooms. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Fall blooms to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your San Antonio garden," 13 Sep. 2019 There is no doubt that Orry would benefit from high-quality face-to-face instruction from a caring and conscientious English professor. — Paul Tough, The Atlantic, "The Myth of the Wealthy Welder," 13 Sep. 2019 Officials also shared with residents in attendance at the regular meeting of the school board the need for a renewal of a parcel tax, currently set to expire in 2021, to help fund programs, instruction and innovation in the years ahead. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada Unified hires diversity and inclusion officer, ponders future of tech," 11 Sep. 2019 Write these instructions down on separate pieces of paper and place them in their dedicated spots around the house. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "This is The Best Christmas Scavenger Hunt For the Holidays," 11 Sep. 2019 The $90 package comes with enough rope to make around 30 bracelets, according to the product's instructions. — Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, "Diptyque Turned Its Popular Fragrances into Perfumed Stickers, Bracelets, and Brooches — I Tried Them All," 6 Sep. 2019

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about instruction

Dictionary Entries near instruction

Statistics for instruction

Last Updated

27 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for instruction

The first known use of instruction was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for instruction

instruction

noun

English Language Learners Definition of instruction

: a statement that describes how to do something

: an order or command

: the action or process of teaching : the act of instructing someone

See the full definition for instruction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

instruction

noun

in·struc·tion | \ in-ˈstrək-shən

Kids Definition of instruction

1 instructions plural : a specific rule or command I left instructions that I was not to be disturbed.

2 instructions plural : an outline of how something is to be done Follow the instructions on the box.

3 : the act or practice of teaching Students receive instruction in history.

instruction

noun

in·struc·tion

Legal Definition of instruction

: 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.

Keep scrolling for more