instruction

noun

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 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

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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

People like Richard Rohr, Peter Enns, and Rob Bell showed how looking at the Bible as an instruction manual misses the point entirely. — Cindy Mallette, Vox, "In a year of hyperpartisanship, I did the unthinkable — I changed my mind about politics.," 20 Dec. 2018 This information isn't written in the controller's piddly instruction manual. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Pokemon Let’s Go: Well, I guess my adult ass is going to collect them all," 16 Nov. 2018 Beyond documenting the contours of urban life most often ignored in national news, the book mainly serves as an instruction manual. — Noble Ingram, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Our Towns' finds optimism in America's smaller cities," 12 June 2018 Meanwhile, another eBay user is selling just the instruction manual for $250. — Natasha Bach, Fortune, "People Are Already Selling Their Elon Musk 'Not a Flamethrowers' on eBay," 11 June 2018 The collection of essays serves as a humorous instruction manual on how to handle social media snafus and conversations in the current climate of online contention. — Ngozi Ekeledo, chicagotribune.com, "‘Accidental activist’: How Franchesca Ramsey transformed her viral moment into a platform for social justice," 30 May 2018 Check your model's instruction manual for help with both steps. — Christina Capatides, CBS News, "FBI urges internet users to reboot their routers to stop Russia-linked malware," 29 May 2018 There are seemingly endless resources available to help do-it-yourselfers, such as books with step-by-step instructions and online how-to videos. — Brett Martin, House Beautiful, "Should You DIY Or Call A Pro?," 26 Dec. 2018 And women can access real-time instructions and support if necessary. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "10 science stories in 2018 that made us go, “Whoa, that’s awesome”," 18 Dec. 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near instruction

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Last Updated

20 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for instruction

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

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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.