implement

[ noun im-pluh-muhnt; verb im-pluh-ment, -muhnt ]

noun

1. any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil:

   agricultural implements.

2. an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
3. a means; agent:

   human beings as an implement of divine plan.

verb (used with object)

1. to fulfill; perform; carry out:

   Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.

2. to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
3. Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
4. to fill out or supplement.
5. to provide with implements.

implement

noun

1. a piece of equipment; tool or utensil

   gardening implements

2. something used to achieve a purpose; agent

verb

1. to carry out; put into action; perform

   to implement a plan

2. archaic.
   to complete, satisfy, or fulfil

Derived Forms

• ˌimpleˈmental, adjective
• ˈimpleˌmenter, noun
• ˌimplemenˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• im·ple·ment·a·ble adjective
• im·ple·men·tal adjective
• im·ple·men·ta·tion [im-pl, uh, -m, uh, n-, tey, -sh, uh, n, ‑men‑] noun
• im·ple·ment·er im·ple·men·tor noun
• non·im·ple·ment noun
• non·im·ple·men·tal adjective
• re·im·ple·ment verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of implement¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- ¹ + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of implement¹

C17: from Late Latin implēmentum, literally: a filling up, from Latin implēre to fill up, satisfy, fulfil

Example Sentences

St. Laurent, however, pointed out why this step might be especially difficult to implement.

From The Daily Beast

For its part, the Pentagon said that it is no surprise that it is taking some time to implement the mission.

From The Daily Beast

Adding a checkbox to a driver's license and another form would make this easy to implement.

From The Daily Beast

Republicans have a rare opportunity to implement policies that are truly compassionate and transcend toxic identity politics.

From The Daily Beast

The White House just launched a major initiative to implement a more modern, sensible drug policy.

From The Daily Beast

He stood up, crowbar in hand, and inserted the chisel blade of the implement between the edge of the door and the doorcase.

From Project Gutenberg

I looked among the dead, to see if I could find any iron implement with which to excavate the wall, or to break the chains.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon the captain drove his implement through the hay, and against something that gave back a resistance like that of soft pine.

From Project Gutenberg

As the implement fell upon the stones of the courtyard, Thyra's quick ear noticed the peculiar sound.

From Project Gutenberg

In his hand the measuring-rod was a far mightier implement than the pen.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appliance
• gadget
• instrument
• utensil