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Definitions

instrument

[in-struh-muhnt] / ˈɪn strə mənt /




Usage

What are other ways to say instrument? An instrument is anything used in doing a certain type of work or producing a certain result, especially such as requires delicacy, accuracy, or precision: surgical or musical instruments. A tool is a contrivance held in and worked by the hand, for assisting the work of (especially) mechanics or skilled laborers: a carpenter's tools. An implement is any tool or contrivance designed or used for a particular purpose: agricultural implements. A utensil is especially an article for domestic use: kitchen utensils. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We are Near Eastern archaeologists. So that is our work. That is like a musician who can no longer play an instrument," she told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

To better understand the host galaxy, Sears led follow-up observations using Webb's NIRCam, its main near-infrared imaging instrument, several months after the event.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Trump has made tariffs a central instrument of his economic and foreign policy.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Deighton once credited the success of “The Ipcress File,” his debut novel, to the fact that critics “used me as a blunt instrument to beat Ian Fleming over the head.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The transposition you will use for one of these instruments will depend on what type of part you have in hand, and what instrument you would like to play that part.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones