instruction

[ in-struhk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or practice of instructing or teaching; education.

   Synonyms: indoctrination, schooling, 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.

instruction

/ 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

instruction

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• inˈstructional, adjective

Other Words From

• in·struction·al adjective
• misin·struction noun
• nonin·struction·al adjective
• nonin·struction·al·ly adverb
• over·in·struction noun
• prein·struction noun
• rein·struction noun
• self-in·struction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruction¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English instruccio(u)n, from Latin instructiōn-, stem of instructiō; equivalent to instruct + -ion

Example Sentences

Genes contain the essential building instructions for life, guiding cells on which amino acids to assemble in what sequence to produce specific proteins.

From Science Daily

Several Chinese media outlets have told BBC Chinese that in the initial hours after the incident, they had received clear instructions not to report on it.

From BBC

The organization intended to use a chunk of the proceeds to develop affordable housing, noting the plan in the escrow instructions of the $81-million sale.

From Los Angeles Times

These instructions, apparently so he could “guide” her through making her accounts safe, actually led Mrs Campbell to share her screen with the man, which is a function WhatsApp introduced for its calls last year.

From BBC

His mother says he was acting of his own accord and not on the instructions of the Freedom of Russia Legion.

From BBC

Related Words

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