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 of instrument

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

This included enlarging cabin windows into observation viewports and carving open portals into the belly of the fuselage, allowing high-tech sensors and remote-sensing instruments a clear line of sight to the world below. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026

The icy wanderer has now entered the field of view of the sun-facing Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument mounted on the joint ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory spacecraft (SOHO), offering us a unique way to follow the comet's journey. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

Products that instrument their own impact — surfacing before-and-after metrics, time savings, or output quality data — give internal champions something concrete when budget conversations get hard. —Mallun Yen, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2026

Lock the change in place and instrument it heavily for a full usage cycle. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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