implement

[im-pluh-muhnt, 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

Other Word Forms

• implementable adjective
• implemental adjective
• implementation noun
• implementer noun
• implementor noun
• nonimplement noun
• nonimplemental adjective
• reimplement 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

But even if they haven’t been able to widely implement AI yet, a belief that they someday will could increase some employers’ comfort with abandoning labor hoarding.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We are doing everything to implement logistics," he said.

Read more on Barron's

People who haven’t implemented a family code word have been burned by bad actors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Maldives began implementing a smoking ban Saturday on anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation with a generational prohibition on tobacco, the Health Ministry said.

Read more on Barron's

Wane's biggest challenge has been to find a way to strike the right balance between the Super League and NRL players at his disposal, while considering what personnel and positional changes to implement.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• achieve 
• carry out 
• complete 
• enforce 
• realize 
• resolve 

When To Use

What are other ways to say implement?

The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.