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 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

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

For large populations, use a product containing spinosad, bifenthrin or Bacillius thurgiensis, according to label instructions. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order and ordered that the planes be turned around, but Justice Department attorneys said his oral instructions directing the flight to be returned were defective, and the deportations proceeded as planned. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 June 2026

The Court also decided on Monday not to grant a retrial to a man convicted in a notorious decades-old cold case, reversing a decision that determined the jurors who convicted Pedro Hernandez of killing Etan Patz more than 40 years ago received improper instructions. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Someone needs to keep up with the doctors’ reports and instructions, and pick up any medicines that may be prescribed. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 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.