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. See orchestrate
   another word for orchestrate
2. to equip with instruments

Other Words From

• under·instru·ment 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

It carries a host of scientific instruments to observe the sun and its surroundings.

From Science News For Students

These are financial instruments that insurers and reinsurance companies use to hedge their own risk—and which specialized funds and hedge funds often invest in for their potential outsized returns.

From Fortune

Once you’ve taught 250 seventh graders to play instruments in unison, everything else is pretty straightforward.

From Fortune

So, no, I don’t have all the instruments to force companies to do so.

From Freakonomics

Major instruments use large, curved mirrors to capture the light raining down from the night sky.

From Quanta Magazine

Law has been rebuilt in the last 50 years to be an instrument of control, not a framework for human responsibility.

From The Daily Beast

And the chord structure, for those of you who play an instrument, is unexpected and worth checking out.

From The Daily Beast

Even his signature instrument, Auto-Tune, has become as accepted an ingredient in hip-hop as the drum machine.

From The Daily Beast

No matter how admirable or inspiring his message appears to be, it often hits you over the head like a blunt instrument.

From The Daily Beast

Sisler is described as a “Medical/Surgical instrument technician” in his own court declaration.

From The Daily Beast

I called it a spinet, because it somewhat resembled that instrument, and was played upon in the same manner.

From Project Gutenberg

A fancy came into my head that I would entertain the king and queen with an English tune upon this instrument.

From Project Gutenberg

Where these overtones are interfered with by any imperfection in the instrument the result is a harsh or imperfect sound.

From Project Gutenberg

The sun when he appeareth shewing forth at his rising, an admirable instrument, the work of the most High.

From Project Gutenberg

The von Fleischl has long been the standard instrument, but has lately fallen into some disfavor.

From Project Gutenberg

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.