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 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

One musician even questioned whether recording and storing traditional sounds for AI to replicate might be a disincentive for local artists to continue to learn traditional instruments, Ngobi says.

From BBC

But also, how that music was muffled by lethal instruments of capitalism and control, still a factor on the global stage.

From Los Angeles Times

They all play instruments, dance and enjoy performing skits.

From Los Angeles Times

If you see an instrument made out of keyboard keys, the story goes that Lari is likely the one who swiped them from Tiana’s computer.

From Los Angeles Times

Enough with the score, expertly handled by music director and conductor Marc Macalintal and an orchestra that blends Eastern and Western instruments to hypnotic effect.

From Los Angeles Times

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.