instrument

[in-struh-muhnt]

noun

1. a mechanical tool or implement, especially one used for delicate or precision work.

   surgical instruments.

2. a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds.

   a stringed instrument.

3. a means by which something is effected or done; agency.

   an instrument of government.

4. a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.

5. a mechanical or electronic measuring device, especially one used in navigation.

   landing a plane by instruments.

6. a formal legal document, as a draft or bond.

   negotiable instruments.

7. a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.

verb (used with object)

1. to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process.

   to instrument a space vehicle.

2. to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.

instrument

noun

1. a mechanical implement or tool, esp one used for precision work

   surgical instrument

2. music any of various contrivances or mechanisms that can be played to produce musical tones or sounds

3. an important factor or agency in something

   her evidence was an instrument in his arrest

4. informal,  a person used by another to gain an end; dupe; tool

5. a measuring device, such as a pressure gauge or ammeter

6. 1. a device or system for use in navigation or control, esp of aircraft

   2. ( as modifier )

      instrument landing

7. a formal legal document

verb

1. another word for orchestrate

2. to equip with instruments

Other Word Forms

• underinstrument noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin instrūmentum equipment, equivalent to instrū-, stem of instruere “to equip” ( instruct ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

C13: from Latin instrūmentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see _instruct

Example Sentences

“He was learning all these traditional Appalachian instruments, and I said, ‘That’s awesome because my house is set in the Dust Bowl.’”

From Los Angeles Times

In partnership with primary schools, children are given instruments and encouraged to develop their musical ability.

From BBC

She spoke of talented children trapped by deprivation - describing "estates with Berlin Walls around them" - and subsequently set up a charity to help young people get access to learning instruments.

From BBC

When I say, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” there are times when you can do something with your instrument, but it’s coming from a place of wanting to prove something.

From Los Angeles Times

As the sun fully set and people waited in line for the telescope, sound practitioner Nicole Johnstone packed up her instruments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apparatus 
• appliance 
• device 
• equipment 
• gadget 
• gear 
• gizmo 
• machine 
• machinery 
• mechanism 

When To Use

What are other ways to say instrument?

An instrument is a mechanical contrivance, especially one used for delicate or precision work. When should you use this noun over tool, implement, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.