instrument

noun in·stru·ment \ ˈin(t)-strə-mənt \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of instrument

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

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

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

3 : implement; especially : one designed for precision work

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

5 a : 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

See instrument defined for English-language learners

See instrument defined for kids

Examples of instrument in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of instrument from the Web

Kids will also enjoy a selection of traditional stories narrated by Eddy Díaz Souza and a performance by the musician, Michael Gil, who will introduce his musical instruments from around the world.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Tri-Rail Day, ship tours, laser shows line up for Earth Day weekend," 18 Apr. 2018
In addition to the performance, the musicians who attended the classes explained the techniques for their instruments.

— independencelocalschools, cleveland.com, "Independence High School Senior Works Towards Girl Scout Gold Award: Community Voices," 18 Apr. 2018
Odums based the mural on a grainy, century-old promotional photograph of Bolden and fellow musicians holding their instruments.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Brandan Odums' Buddy Bolden mural rises on S. Rampart Street," 18 Apr. 2018
Jamming in the Park Bring your favorite instrument and join in an acoustic music jam.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park area events, April 18-28," 17 Apr. 2018
Guests are welcome to bring their instruments to play along.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Hebron Edition," 17 Apr. 2018
Sixty days after launch, and following tests of its instruments, the satellite will begin its initial two-year mission.

— paul brinkmann, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Elon Musk teases upper-stage rocket recovery method for tonight’s NASA launch," 16 Apr. 2018
At Valley Forge, the vets broke plastic M16s to pieces in a cathartic rejection of war and its instruments.

— stephan salisbury, Philly.com, "Lemon Hill mansion becomes an image of resistance in daring art takeover," 13 Apr. 2018
Bring your instruments and your art to share in a safe, supportive creative environment.

— Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora-area event calendar," 13 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of instrument

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin instrumentum, from instruere to arrange, instruct

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

instrument Synonyms

Synonyms

agency, agent, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle;

weapon;

activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger;

antecedent, cause, occasion, reason;

subagency, subagent;

Synonym Discussion of instrument

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

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

instrument

verb in·stru·ment \ ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment \

Definition of instrument

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

Recent Examples of instrument from the Web

Bullerengue is a genre led mainly by elderly women, instrumented exclusively with artisan drums, and preserved through oral tradition.

— marjua estevez, Billboard, "How Afro-Colombian Artist Magín Díaz Went From Anonymity to Latin Grammy-Nominated at 95 Years Old," 7 Nov. 2017
But however well-instrumented, machines can't intuit.

— bucky mcmahon, Popular Mechanics, "What's it like to fly a plane into a hurricane like Irma? We climbed into a NOAA plane in 2016 and flew into the heart of Hurricane Matthew to find out.," 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, "NFL dedicates large portion of $100 million pledge to neuroscience," 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, "NFL making $40 million available for medical research," 29 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of instrument

circa 1700

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

INSTRUMENT Defined for English Language Learners

instrument

noun

Definition of instrument for English Language Learners

: a tool or device used for a particular purpose; especially : a tool or device designed to do careful and exact work
: a device that measures something (such as temperature or distance)
: a device that is used to make music

INSTRUMENT Defined for Kids

instrument

noun in·stru·ment \ ˈin-strə-mənt \

Definition of instrument for Students

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)

Synonym Discussion of 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.

Medical Dictionary

instrument

noun in·stru·ment \ ˈin(t)-strə-mənt \

medical Definition of instrument

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

Law Dictionary

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