implement
Americannoun
-
implements
plural
-
any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.
agricultural implements.
-
an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
-
a means; agent.
human beings as an implement of divine plan.
verb (used with object)
-
implements,
present (3rd person singular)
-
implemented,
past participle, past
-
implementing
present participle
-
to fulfill; perform; carry out.
Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.
-
to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
-
Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
-
to fill out or supplement.
-
to provide with implements.
noun
-
a piece of equipment; tool or utensil
gardening implements
-
something used to achieve a purpose; agent
verb
-
to carry out; put into action; perform
to implement a plan
-
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
Derived Forms
-
implementationnoun
-
implementernoun
-
implementornoun
-
nonimplementnoun
-
reimplementverb (used with object)
-
implementableadjective
-
implementaladjective
-
nonimplementaladjective
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
implementsimple
-
implementssimple
-
have implementedperfect
-
has implementedperfect
-
am implementingprogressive
-
are implementingprogressive
-
is implementingprogressive
-
have been implementingperfect progressive
-
has been implementingperfect progressive
Past
-
implementedsimple
-
had implementedperfect
-
was implementingprogressive
-
were implementingprogressive
-
had been implementingperfect progressive
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing implement
Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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:
In a speech at Davidson College, Logan, who voted on Wednesday to keep rates unchanged, said the Fed needs to implement “at least” two more quarter-point hikes.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
City departments soon will report back to the Council on how they plan to implement this.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
A: Preparing to get your software updated, be prepared to keep it updated, and be prepared to implement patches when they come out.
From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2026
Is 10 months long enough for a coach to implement their vision, sign the players they want and connect with the fanbase?
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
In short order, Malan began to implement his pernicious program.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Legendary US designer Ralph Lauren on Wednesday kicked off New York Fashion Week with his namesake brand's Spring/Summer 2027 collection, as the industry showcase implements its first full ban on fur on the runway.
From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026
The coach implements tactics based on the positions of players in the hope of giving their team an advantage.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Early humans often used bone implements to sharpen the cutting edges of handaxes and tools used for butchering animals.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
Diesel, which fuels trucks, construction equipment and farming implements, tends to have an even greater impact on the economy and inflation when its price rises.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Unsurprisingly, people with stone implements wanted metal tools as soon as they encountered them—the prospective reduction in workload was staggering.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
The bill would also pause advanced AI development until guidelines are implemented while creating a Department of Artificial Intelligence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
They said they recognised the changes the trust has implemented following Eleanor's death, but these had to be "used properly, kept under review and make care safer for other children".
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
"We hope that the changes the trust have implemented continue to make care safer for other children."
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
Separately, the Mamdani administration has implemented a new system to better track encampments and coordinate responses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026
The music education methods of Orff, Dalcroze, Kodály, etc., offer easily implemented solutions to add layers of cognitively challenging musical activities to something as simple as a song.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
They also explored the obstacles to implementing these changes and identified areas where additional research and updated public health policies could help improve outcomes.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026
All 141 successful candidates were chosen by students from universities across Serbia through a lengthy, secretive and carefully crafted process, and tasked with implementing the movement's plan for a complete rebuild of the country.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
The contributions employers make to their workers’ retirement plans and workplace health insurance aren’t subject to Social Security taxes, though experts have considered what implementing a tax for Social Security would do for the program.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
He has also held off on implementing fresh sanctions on Russia under legislation recently passed by Congress, which was named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
This is perfect for implementing one of the essential elements of West African dance and music, where people take turns “showing their stuff” in a playfully confrontational way.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
