instruction

American  

[in-struhk-shuhn] / ɪnˈstrʌk ʃən /

noun

instructions plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• instructions
  plural

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

See Examples For:

instruction instructions

The ChatGPT-maker said its agents - AI bots which can operate alone after some human instruction – were being tested in a controlled environment, but found vulnerabilities and managed to escape.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Many of them, scholars by training, found work as Greek teachers, and this wave of Greek instruction helped fuel both the Renaissance and, shortly after, the Reformation.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

He also said his first instruction would be a pledge to "end rough sleeping", a measure he attempted to implement as a regional mayor in northern England, although it was not fully successful.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

Burdman said better math instruction, not new admissions criteria, would close gaps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

I add one beauty token to each palm, with an instruction to keep their mouths shut.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

As soon as the coach has delivered their instructions, the keeper gets up to play on.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Promoter Eddie Hearn barked instructions from ringside, while Joshua stablemate Oleksandr Usyk watched on with a look of concern.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

Vera is designed to maximize single-thread performance, which refers to a chip’s ability to execute a single chain of instructions.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

Mutations are changes in a cell's genetic instructions.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

Penelope sent word for the dressmaker to come at once and take down Madame Babushkinov’s instructions.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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