instrument

1 of 2

noun

in·​stru·​ment ˈin(t)-strə-mənt How to pronounce instrument (audio)
1
: a device used to produce music
also : a singing voice
2
: implement
especially : one designed for precision work
3
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
4
a
: 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

2 of 2

verb

in·​stru·​ment ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment How to pronounce instrument (audio)
instrumented; instrumenting; instruments

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
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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
The final night was all about guitars, bringing together acts from indie rock, country, and more who love the instrument. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 Cutbacks have left just 11 people repairing instruments for more than a half-million students in Los Angeles public schools. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The low-budget recording actually benefits the overall vibe of the record lending the instruments a uniquely warm sound, providing the perfect bed for J [Mascis] to add various levels of volume and distortion at just the right moments for maximum impact. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 For Evan Price, the primary challenge stemmed from the often divergent passions of the instrument’s reigning couple, Mike Marshall and Caterina Lichtenberg. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 He’s since partnered with Dirk Braun, owner of an art gallery in Malibu, to display the muddied and battered instrument there. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 The brilliance of the juke joint is that not only do the patrons feel pleasure, but the people behind the stove, behind the bar, and behind the instruments feel it too. Korsha Wilson, Bon Appétit, 11 Mar. 2024 Their stroke of brilliance comes in profiling the handful of specialists who keep the instruments in working order. Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 In his speech, Göransson thanked his parents for giving him instruments instead of video games, as well as director Christopher Nolan for inviting him to score the film in the first place. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2024
Verb
Swedish scientists who instrumented grizzlies there concluded that the animals might become hot in their superinsulated space with the returning hours of sunshine. Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Apr. 2023 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. USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instrument.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrument was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near instrument

Cite this Entry

“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrument. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

instrument

noun
in·​stru·​ment
ˈin(t)-strə-mənt
1
: a device used to produce music
2
: a means of getting something done
curiosity is an instrument of discovery
3
: a tool or implement designed especially for precision work
a surgical instrument
4
: an official legal document (as a deed, bond, or agreement)
5
a
: a measuring device for finding out 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 only way of navigating

Medical Definition

instrument

noun
in·​stru·​ment ˈin(t)-strə-mənt How to pronounce instrument (audio)
: any implement, tool, or utensil (as for surgery)

Legal Definition

instrument

noun
in·​stru·​ment
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 instrumentUniform Commercial Code
an indictment is a form of charging instrument
specifically : negotiable instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on instrument

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