instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən 

1

a

instructions plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions

b

: a direction calling for compliance : order

—usually used in plural

had instructions not to admit strangers

c

: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation

d

: precept

prevailing cultural instructions

2

: the action, practice, or profession of teaching

instructional

in-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• behest
• charge
• command
• commandment
• decree
• dictate
• direction
• directive
• do
• edict
• imperative
• injunction
• order
• word

Examples of instruction in a Sentence

You should read each instruction carefully.

Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock.

The after-school program offers reading instruction to students who need it.

The computer can handle one million instructions per second.

Recent Examples on the Web

To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. —Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 2 Apr. 2024

Sora can create realistic looking 60-second videos from text instructions, with the ability to serve up scenes with multiple characters, specific types of motion and elaborate background details. —Clare Duffy, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024

But she was also given strict instructions to immediately come back if the pain didn’t get better in the coming days. —Tricia Despres, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

Cook’s instructions were to head north and to look not for land but for its absence. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Precise instructions can be found in the help document itself. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

Their instructions and encouragement were successfully only in building her confidence. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024

In his research, historian Alexis Schwarzenbach found Beaton’s instructions for a retoucher to remove the wrinkles from a 1941 portrait of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, who was 39. —Karla Adam, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing instruction

• self-instruction
• programmed instruction

Kids Definition

instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən 

1

a

: precept

instructions of ethical behavior

b

: command entry 2 sense 2, order

had instructions not to talk to strangers

c

plural : an outline or set of procedures to be followed : directions

instructions for assembling a rocking chair

d

: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation

2

: the action or practice of an instructor or teacher

instructional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion

: an explanation of an applicable principle of law given by a judge to a jury before the jury retires to consider its verdict

called also jury charge, jury instruction

Note: Under both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, at the close of evidence, or before the close if the court reasonably so directs, any party may file written requests for the instructions to be given to the jury by the court. The court must advise the parties of its decision regarding the instructions prior to closing argument so that the parties may address the instructions during argument. Any objections to the instructions must be made before the jury retires for deliberation.