instrument

1 of 2

noun

in·​stru·​ment ˈin(t)-strə-mənt 

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 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• certificate
• certification

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

Some instruments were not in their standard positions, and these were not buttons that could be jostled out of place by an explosion: They were made to be handled by human fingers, which is apparently what happened after the blast. —Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025

So Goodloe plugged in a Gibson 335, an instrument associated with Chuck Berry. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 16 July 2025

Verb

From Reactive To Proactive Most modern data stacks are instrumented with logs, metrics and traces. —Kiran Patibandla, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

The counter-strategy is to hard-bake healthy skepticism into user behavior and to instrument Macs with the same telemetry layers enterprises already expect from Windows. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing instrument

• blunt instrument
• brass instrument
• instrument flying
• instrument landing
• instrument panel
• musical instrument
• percussion instrument
• stringed instrument
• wind instrument

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 

: 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 instrument

—Uniform Commercial Code

an indictment is a form of charging instrument

specifically : negotiable instrument