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

While gesturing to free markets, he called on Vance to implement an industrial policy rooted in the defense industry, which would, in some ways, continue President Joe Biden’s project of military Keynesianism.

From Salon

Some, but not all, commission recommendations were implemented.

From Los Angeles Times

"Several changes were implemented immediately in order to further improve upon our health and safety systems and processes," said the firm.

From BBC

A governance reform task force will be appointed in the coming weeks to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on how to implement the governance and ethics reforms.

From Los Angeles Times

District leaders acknowledged that implementing the ban will be a sea change at middle and high schools, where most students carry phones.

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.