implement

[ noun im-pluh-muhnt; verb im-pluh-ment, -muhnt ]

noun

1. any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil:

   agricultural implements.

2. an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
3. a means; agent:

   human beings as an implement of divine plan.

verb (used with object)

1. to fulfill; perform; carry out:

   Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.

2. to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
3. Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
4. to fill out or supplement.
5. to provide with implements.

implement

noun

1. a piece of equipment; tool or utensil

   gardening implements

2. something used to achieve a purpose; agent

verb

1. to carry out; put into action; perform

   to implement a plan

2. archaic.
   to complete, satisfy, or fulfil

Derived Forms

• ˌimplemenˈtation, noun
• ˌimpleˈmental, adjective
• ˈimpleˌmenter, noun

Other Words From

• im·ple·ment·a·ble adjective
• im·ple·men·tal adjective
• im·ple·men·ta·tion [im-pl, uh, -m, uh, n-, tey, -sh, uh, n, ‑men‑] noun
• im·ple·ment·er im·ple·men·tor noun
• non·im·ple·ment noun
• non·im·ple·men·tal adjective
• re·im·ple·ment verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of implement¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- ¹ + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of implement¹

C17: from Late Latin implēmentum, literally: a filling up, from Latin implēre to fill up, satisfy, fulfil

Example Sentences

Policymakers should invest in vision and creative research, because "after all, these plans will amount to billions of euros when implemented!"

From Science Daily

"We have been terrorised, starved, had our homes destroyed, and lost our children, sons, and loved ones. We welcome this decision, and of course, we hope that the decisions of the ICC will be implemented".

From BBC

While the exact cause of this decline is unclear, researchers suspect that interventions implemented to reduce air emissions at the nearby fluorochemical manufacturer might have played a role.

From Science Daily

Because they were implemented unilaterally, moreover, Biden could nix them with the stroke of a pen.

From Los Angeles Times

Since it was implemented last year, the tax has raised nearly $440 million, according to city data.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appliance
• gadget
• instrument
• utensil

When To Use

What are other ways to say implement?

The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.