instrumentality

noun

in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce instrumentality (audio)
-ˌmen-
plural instrumentalities
1
: the quality or state of being instrumental
2

Examples of instrumentality in a Sentence

computer literacy is only an instrumentality for acquiring an education, and not an end in itself
Recent Examples on the Web Other authorizers cannot operate instrumentality charter schools. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2023 State and local governments, agencies and instrumentalities of the federal government, and nonprofits were not eligible for payments. Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023 But planting trees for shade was a particular kind of instrumentality, and so was planting trees for fruit. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2023 The selection of a K has less to do with reality, and more with instrumentality. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2013 Neither is the zoo, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is a federal trust instrumentality created by Congress but not a part of the legislative branch. James V. Grimaldi, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 Under an instrumentality perspective, people are degraded as pure tools whose function is to facilitate others’ goal achievement. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022 According to Wang, instrumentality is a dimension of objectification. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022 The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, closed its purchase of the property from Red Rock Resorts Inc.for $650 million in December. Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrumentality was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near instrumentality

Cite this Entry

“Instrumentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentality. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

instrumentality

noun
in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce instrumentality (audio)
-ˌmen-
plural instrumentalities
1
: the quality or state of being instrumental
2
: something by which an end is achieved : means
order was restored through the instrumentality of rules

Legal Definition

instrumentality

noun
in·​stru·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌin-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē, -ˌmen- How to pronounce instrumentality (audio)
plural instrumentalities
1
: something through which an end is achieved or occurs
damages incurred in a single incident through an instrumentality owned by the employer
2
: something that serves as an intermediary or agent through which one or more functions of a larger controlling entity are carried out : a part or branch especially of a governing body compare alter ego
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