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 school also has a new lawn for recreation and instruction, along with stormwater capture features and solar-reflective basketball and handball courts.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026

Result: whiffs of the paper-clip maximizer, an ancient AI thought experiment in which a computer ends up consuming all planetary resources pursuant to its instruction to make paper clips.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

The AAP guidance also highlights research that challenges the outdated assumption that more time devoted to classroom instruction equals more learning.

From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026

"I can't read instruction manuals, but I've watched YouTube tutorials," he says, generating a growling bass line that sounds like the dawning of the apocalypse.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Both young men played dead—precisely the wrong thing to do, according to all the instruction manuals—and the bear left.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

“Your estate plan should include instructions for final arrangements that reflect your personal values and preferences,” the NCO says.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

The entrepreneurs are worried about episodes when rogue AI agents have broken free of their human instructions to pursue their own ends.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

Once attached to their target, they can interfere with gene transcription, the process cells use to make RNA from DNA instructions.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026

Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, allegedly received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia's military intelligence agency, the Crown Prosecution service said.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026

“Have no fear; on the subject of Gallery Seventeen, Mr. Hixby’s instructions are quite thorough.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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