instruction

American  

[in-struhk-shuhn] / ɪnˈstrʌk ʃən /

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.

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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

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

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

At an office off the busy Mile End Road, in east London, on a Tuesday evening in early April, our undercover reporter was receiving an instruction course in how to apply for asylum.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“We sent a letter of instruction with a voided refund check, saying to apply it to 2023,” Schultz says.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

I’d say if you enjoy having lots of stuff, it’s time to start ignoring unsolicited instruction from strangers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

"The observers do not allege any verbal instruction or physical conduct that indicated one person was directing or coercing another regarding how to vote."

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Unless they were the instruction manual or hint guide to a video game.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

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