implement

American  

[im-pluh-muhnt, im-pluh-ment, -muhnt] / ˈɪm plə mənt, ˈɪm pləˌmɛnt, -mənt /

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.

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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 British  

noun

1. a piece of equipment; tool or utensil

   gardening implements

2. something used to achieve a purpose; agent

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verb

1. to carry out; put into action; perform

   to implement a plan

2. archaic to complete, satisfy, or fulfil

Usage

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. 

Other Word Forms

• implementable
  adjective
• implemental
  adjective
• implementation
  noun
• implementer
  noun
• implementor
  noun
• nonimplement
  noun
• nonimplemental
  adjective
• reimplement
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of implement

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

Explanation

Apply the noun implement when you want to use a fancy word for "tool." A knife and fork are implements for handling food. The noun implement is a very useful word for just about anything you want to describe as a tool or a thing that helps you do something. An implement can be as simple as chimpanzees using a stick to eat ants with or a bulldozer that moves huge amounts of earth in building. The word relates to something that "fills up" a house, as in all sorts of things that allow a house to work properly.

Example Sentences

Webb, the former Redondo Beach city attorney, said the L.A. mayor could implement such a diversion program but only in concert with the city attorney, and then its success would depend on providing services.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

One veteran of Whitehall's corridors told me: "The contempt for the civil service, now amply reciprocated, has left the means by which politicians implement their policy frightened and wary."

From BBC • May 16, 2026

That was no surprise, but more notable was their reasoning for it: The department argued that the lawsuits were premature because federal agencies haven’t even started to implement the order yet.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Kennedy also expects a “Board of Trade” mechanism for both countries, helping implement Chinese commitments and pave the way to reduce tariffs on nonstrategic goods.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

The biggest was a drawing of the giant farm implement shed that Deere & Company was proposing to put up on the block where the old brickyard had been.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck

Related Words

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