plural instructions
1
a
: a statement that describes how to do something
You should read each instruction carefully.
—usually pluralOur teacher gave us instructions for building the model. = Our teacher gave us instructions on how to build the model.
The manual provides complete/detailed instructions [=directions] for installing the software.
an instruction manual
b
: an order or command
Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock.
—usually pluralWe had instructions not to admit anyone.
I gave you explicit instructions to be here by six o'clock.
Don't you know how to follow instructions? [=directions]
I did everything according to your instructions.
2
: the action or process of teaching : the act of instructing someone
The after-school program offers/provides reading instruction to students who need it.
—often + inThe students are receiving instruction in algebra.
3
computers
: a set of letters, numbers, etc., that tells a computer to do something
The computer can handle one million instructions per second.
Cite this Entry
“Instruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/instruction. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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