instruction

American  

[in-struhk-shuhn] / ɪnˈstrʌk ʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of instructing or teaching; education.

   Synonyms:

   schooling, indoctrination, exercise, drill, training

2. knowledge or information imparted.

3. an item of such knowledge or information.

4. Usually instructions. orders or directions.

   The instructions are on the back of the box.

5. the act of furnishing with authoritative directions.

   Synonyms:

   mandate, command

6. Computers. a command given to a computer to carry out a particular operation.

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instruction British  

/ ɪnˈstrʌkʃən /

noun

1. a direction; order

2. the process or act of imparting knowledge; teaching; education

3. computing a part of a program consisting of a coded command to the computer to perform a specified function

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instruction Scientific  

/ ĭn-strŭk′shən /

1. A sequence of bits that tells a computer's central processing unit to perform a particular operation. An instruction can also contain data to be used in the operation.

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Other Word Forms

• instructional adjective
• misinstruction noun
• noninstructional adjective
• noninstructionally adverb
• overinstruction noun
• preinstruction noun
• reinstruction noun
• self-instruction noun

Etymology

Origin of instruction

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English instruccio(u)n, from Latin instructiōn-, stem of instructiō; equivalent to instruct + -ion

Explanation

Instruction is vital for education, as it is the transfer of learning from one person to another. Any time you are given directions or told how to do something you are receiving instruction. The noun instruction is related to the word structure; both share the Latin root structus, "built." The use of the word as we know it today appeared in the early 15th century from the Old French. Today it refers to the action of teaching and the job of a teacher. It can also be used to denote the directions themselves. Consider the word's connection with structure: effective instruction is presented in an orderly, structured manner.

Example Sentences

"I was under strict instruction not to discuss that with the then foreign secretary, which was uncomfortable," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Campuses were closed for in-person instruction for more than a year during the COVID-19 pandemic — harming students’ academic progress and mental health.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

But when a man who appeared to be a Mumbai police officer appeared on video, he and his wife followed every instruction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“We sent a letter of instruction with a voided refund check, saying to apply it to 2023,” Schultz says.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

In Lamarck’s view, hereditary traits were passed from parents to offspring in the same manner that a message, or story, might be passed—i.e., by instruction.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• direction
• discipline
• guidance
• information
• lesson
• preparation
• schooling
• teaching
• training