instruction

[in-struhk-shuhn]

noun

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.

instruction

/ 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

instruction

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruction¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English instruccio(u)n, from Latin instructiōn-, stem of instructiō; equivalent to instruct + -ion

Example Sentences

It added that the transactions were authorised by the bank on her instructions so its officials cannot be faulted.

From BBC

The police later obtained messages that showed the crew were getting instructions from Dubai.

From BBC

They left the neurologist with nothing: no instructions, no care plan, not even the stupid pamphlet, which was about memory problems in general.

From Los Angeles Times

At these places, passengers will have to follow the instructions on kiosks - automated machines installed in dedicated areas.

From BBC

"You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe."

From BBC

Related Words

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