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

These are not the instruments of vengeance like Gaetz, Gabbard et al, who Trump wants to use to pay back his enemies.

From Salon

"This is consistent ith the tradition of many ancient cultures to capture natural sounds in musical instruments, and could explain the ritual dimension of the death whistle sound for mimicking mythological entities," explains Frühholz.

From Science Daily

Smerilli performed most of the instruments himself, including the inky depths of a contrabass clarinet, which he purchased and learned just for this score.

From Los Angeles Times

Some bands are filled with brothers who play instruments.

From Salon

Beginning in early 2025, researchers plan to deploy thousands of instruments and drill holes to record-setting depths, all with the goal of creating a 3D map of the rock layers kilometers below the surface.

From Science Magazine

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.