instrument

noun

Save Word

in·stru·ment | \ ˈin(t)-strə-mənt

Definition of instrument

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a device used to produce music also : a singing voice

2 : implement especially : one designed for precision work

3a : a measuring device for determining the present value of a quantity under observation

b : an electrical or mechanical device used in navigating an airplane especially : such a device used as the sole means of navigating

4a : a means whereby something is achieved, performed, or furthered

b : one used by another as a means or aid : dupe, tool

5 : a formal legal document (such as a deed, bond, or agreement)

instrument

verb

in·stru·ment | \ ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment

instrumented; instrumenting; instruments

Definition of instrument (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to address a legal instrument to

2 : to score for musical performance : orchestrate

3 : to equip with instruments especially for measuring and recording data

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Phrases Containing instrument Learn More About instrument

Choose the Right Synonym for instrument

Noun

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work. implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task. crude stone implements farm implements tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement. a carpenter's tools instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work. the dentist's instruments appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment. household appliances utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity. kitchen utensils

Examples of instrument in a Sentence

Noun an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere The piano was his favorite musical instrument. Do you play any instruments?

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Eckert improvises on the giant instrument as Harold transitions to death. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022 Those in the closer-up seats could see only a tendril of his curly hair sticking up above the instrument. — Washington Post, 6 May 2022 Those in the closer-up seats could see only a tendril of his curly hair sticking up above the instrument. — Annie Gowen, Anchorage Daily News, 6 May 2022 There are about 600 Stradivarius violins in existence worldwide; the highest price paid for a Strad was $15.9 million in 2011, so the Seidel instrument could mark a new world record. — Jon Burlingame, Variety, 3 May 2022 Suspecting Stefan’s likely skills as the son of an accomplished organ maker, Bach humbly steps aside and asks the boy for his take on the massive instrument. — Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2022 The instrument mentioned, and many others like it, are part of what sets H.E.R. apart on stage. — Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Apr. 2022 The image shared was created by Thomas Thomopoulos using raw data from the JunoCam instrument, NASA says. — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 26 Apr. 2022 This question also highlights the fast growing and rapidly changing nature of the NFT subsector of the cryptoasset space; the changing nature of the financial instrument itself. — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 24 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Unlike earthquake prediction — which in terms of short-term prediction is currently not feasible and may never be feasible on a short timescale — volcano prediction is feasible and is common if volcanoes are instrumented. — NBC News, 23 May 2018 Bullerengue is a genre led mainly by elderly women, instrumented exclusively with artisan drums, and preserved through oral tradition. — Marjua Estevez, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2017 But however well-instrumented, machines can't intuit. — Bucky Mcmahon, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2017 The plan is for the NFL, when the technology is ready, to offer mouth guards instrumented with such sensors to players to measure their impact response. — Barry Wilner, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2017 The plan is for the NFL, when the technology is ready, to offer mouth guards instrumented with such sensors to players to measure their impact response. — USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2017 See More

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

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best musical instruments for kids.

Learn More About instrument

Dictionary Entries Near instrument

instructress

instrument

instrumental

Statistics for instrument

Last Updated

11 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrument. Accessed 16 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for instrument

instrument

noun

in·stru·ment | \ ˈin-strə-mənt

Kids Definition of instrument

1 : a tool or device for doing a particular kind of work a dentist's instruments

2 : a device used to produce music

3 : a way of getting something done Curiosity is an instrument of discovery.

4 : a legal document (as a deed)

5 : a device that measures something (as altitude or temperature)

Choose the Right Synonym for instrument

instrument, tool, and utensil mean a device for doing work. instrument is used for a device that can be used to do complicated work. The surgeon's instruments were sterilized. tool is used for a device used for a particular job and often suggests that a special skill is needed to use it. A carpenter's tools include hammers and saws. utensil is used for a simple device used in jobs around the house. They bought kitchen utensils.

instrument

noun

in·stru·ment | \ ˈin(t)-strə-mənt

Medical Definition of instrument

: any implement, tool, or utensil (as for surgery)

instrument

noun

in·stru·ment

Legal Definition of instrument

1 : a means or implement by which something is achieved, performed, or furthered an instrument of crime

2 : a document (as a deed, will, bond, note, certificate of deposit, insurance policy, warrant, or writ) evidencing rights or duties especially of one party to another under the law a person is not liable on an instrument unless the person signed the instrument — Uniform Commercial Code an indictment is a form of charging instrument specifically : negotiable instrument