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

Some candidates already in the race, including State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, state Sen. Toni Atkins and former state Controller Betty Yee, had support from fewer than 5% of registered voters.

From Los Angeles Times

Technical aspects aside, it’s notable that Trump’s first instruction to the Senate since winning is that he doesn’t want to deal with the confirmation process.

From Slate

Lloyds is investigating and has refunded £2,000 relating to debit card transactions Mrs Campbell made under the instruction of the criminal.

From BBC

Stay alert to the forecast and follow instruction from emergency officials.

From Los Angeles Times

And while the question of responsibility and blame gets shifted from creators to parents to governments to tech companies, Peralta said it’s less about punishing students and more about being honest with them, as well as giving them the fundamental instruction and perspective on how to navigate their reality.

From Slate

Related Words

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