instrument

[in-struh-muhnt]

noun

1. a mechanical tool or implement, especially one used for delicate or precision work.

   surgical instruments.

2. a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds.

   a stringed instrument.

3. a means by which something is effected or done; agency.

   an instrument of government.

4. a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.

5. a mechanical or electronic measuring device, especially one used in navigation.

   landing a plane by instruments.

6. a formal legal document, as a draft or bond.

   negotiable instruments.

7. a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.

verb (used with object)

1. to equip with instruments, as a machine or manufacturing process.

   to instrument a space vehicle.

2. to arrange a composition for musical instruments; orchestrate.

instrument

noun

1. a mechanical implement or tool, esp one used for precision work

   surgical instrument

2. music any of various contrivances or mechanisms that can be played to produce musical tones or sounds

3. an important factor or agency in something

   her evidence was an instrument in his arrest

4. informal,  a person used by another to gain an end; dupe; tool

5. a measuring device, such as a pressure gauge or ammeter

6. 1. a device or system for use in navigation or control, esp of aircraft

   2. ( as modifier )

      instrument landing

7. a formal legal document

verb

1. another word for orchestrate

2. to equip with instruments

Other Word Forms

• underinstrument noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin instrūmentum equipment, equivalent to instrū-, stem of instruere “to equip” ( instruct ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument¹

C13: from Latin instrūmentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see _instruct

Example Sentences

“My first instrument was drums, until my mother started making me break my drums down every day,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Foreign policy becomes an instrument of naked personal despotism, with favors bestowed on those who burnish the leader’s vanity, and yanked away from those who decline to do so.

From Salon

The ex-president rejected the case as "arbitrary" and said the courts were being used as an "instrument of oppression".

From BBC

There are options for entertainment as well, such as musical instruments and garden games, while the exercise section offers golf clubs and gym equipment.

From BBC

"Piano is more of an introvert instrument," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• apparatus 
• appliance 
• device 
• equipment 
• gadget 
• gear 
• gizmo 
• machine 
• machinery 
• mechanism 

When To Use

What are other ways to say instrument?

An instrument is a mechanical contrivance, especially one used for delicate or precision work. When should you use this noun over tool, implement, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.