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

AI agents are able to operate alone to accomplish tasks after human instruction.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

What’s more, the toxic chemicals in smoke damage lung-cell DNA, which acts like an instruction manual telling the cells how to behave.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 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

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

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

For those in an affected area in France or Spain or planning to travel there, the UK government recommends following instructions and updates from local authorities and emergency services at all times.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

During the logo-design challenge, when the instructions changed every three minutes, Ryan thought to herself: This is harder than I thought.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 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

Section two of the Olympic charter states: "Members of the IOC will not accept from governments, organisations, or other parties, any mandate or instructions liable to interfere with the freedom of their action and vote."

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

I nodded numbly at the deluge of instructions, latching on to do what she does.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

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