instruction
Americannoun
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instructions
plural
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the act or practice of instructing or teaching; education.
- Synonyms:
- schooling, indoctrination, exercise, drill, training
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knowledge or information imparted.
-
an item of such knowledge or information.
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Usually instructions. orders or directions.
The instructions are on the back of the box.
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the act of furnishing with authoritative directions.
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Computers. a command given to a computer to carry out a particular operation.
noun
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a direction; order
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the process or act of imparting knowledge; teaching; education
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computing a part of a program consisting of a coded command to the computer to perform a specified function
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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misinstructionnoun
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overinstructionnoun
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preinstructionnoun
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reinstructionnoun
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self-instructionnoun
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instructionaladjective
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noninstructionaladjective
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noninstructionallyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing instruction
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 11
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A mistranslation of that “hold” instruction as “adhere to your medication” dangerously reverses the meaning, while being similar enough that it might score decently.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
"Practical, or 'small', AI can help a farmer improve yields, a teacher tailor instruction, a health worker make better-informed decisions, or an entrepreneur reach new customers," he said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
On adjunct instruction, he said an ABA standard unfairly restricts the ability of adjunct professors to teach first-year law students.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
DNA acts like an instruction manual, storing the information that cells need to build and maintain their structures.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
At the instruction of the elder brother, Olakunde picked up the younger and carried him without.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
Surely such powerful intelligence could translate discharge instructions into a patient’s preferred language?
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
Instead, it interfered with how the gene's instructions were processed while still allowing some normal activity to continue.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026
Court of Appeal ruled the jury instructions at trial were defective.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
It might say, “Your blood pressure is worth keeping an eye on,” and give instructions for measuring with a cuff.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
He recalled Mrs. Jefferson reading aloud from a “cookery book” to his mother, giving instructions on how to make cakes and tarts.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
