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 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 of instruction

• edict
• direction
• order
• directive
• do
• injunction
• command
• commandment

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

The system can recognize targets without waiting for continuous instructions from another platform. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

As deal terms changed, the agent had to identify the latest instructions while preserving provisions meant to remain unchanged. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Before installing anything, check your lease and follow the product’s weight limits, surface requirements and removal instructions. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

The government had spent the better part of a year, for instance, decentralizing its political and military bureaucracy so that provincial governors and military commanders could operate without instructions from top leaders. — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing instruction

• programmed instruction
• self-instruction

Rhymes for instruction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

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.