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

• behest
• charge
• command
• commandment
• decree
• dictate
• direction
• directive
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• order
• word

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

On the Hollywood front, filmmakers had to obey the puritanical mandates of the Hays Code, its instructions against depicting interracial romance curtailing meatier opportunities for performers of colour. —Hazlitt, 29 Nov. 2023

Smarter task lighting can support shaving, makeup application and more easily reading instructions on prescription medicine bottles. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023

Make eye contact and get down on their level — especially for the little ones — and then give a clear instruction. —Shannon Shelton Miller, Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2023

Achievement scores are highly correlated to the poverty rate of the student body at a school and not so much to the quality of instruction. —Cynthia Howell, arkansasonline.com, 26 Nov. 2023

Parents shouted words of encouragement or instruction. —James Wagner, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023

The instructions below are precise for a reason and should be followed as written. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023

His will had brief instructions: $3.8 million to the town of Hinsdale to benefit the community in the areas of education, health, recreation and culture. —Kathy McCormack, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023

Fold it as per the instructions, add the Bluetooth module and control using the app. —Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing instruction

• self-instruction
• programmed instruction

• self-instruction
• programmed instruction

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.