instrument

[ in-struh-muhnt ]
See synonyms for: instrumentinstrumentedinstrumentinginstruments on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. a means by which something is effected or done; agency: an instrument of government.

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

  3. a mechanical or electronic measuring device, especially one used in navigation: landing a plane by instruments.

  4. a formal legal document, as a draft or bond: negotiable instruments.

  5. 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.

Origin of instrument

1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin instrūmentum equipment, equivalent to instrū-, stem of instruere “to equip” (see instruct) + -mentum-ment

Other words from instrument

  • un·der·in·stru·ment, noun

Words Nearby instrument

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use instrument in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for instrument

instrument

noun(ˈɪnstrəmənt)
  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

  1. an important factor or agency in something: her evidence was an instrument in his arrest

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

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

    • a device or system for use in navigation or control, esp of aircraft

    • (as modifier): instrument landing

  4. a formal legal document

verb(ˈɪnstrəˌmɛnt) (tr)
  1. another word for orchestrate (def. 1)

  2. to equip with instruments

Origin of instrument

1
C13: from Latin instrūmentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see instruct

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