Instrument — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈin(t)-strə-mənt/ (noun) /ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment/ (verb) in·stru·ment

Meaning & Definition of Instrument

Instrument (noun)

  1. a device used to produce music; also, a singing voice
  2. implement; especially, one designed for precision work
  3. a measuring device for determining the present value of a quantity under observation

Instrument (verb)

  1. to address a legal instrument to
  2. to score for musical performance, orchestrate
  3. to equip with instruments especially for measuring and recording data

Instrument (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a written or printed paper giving information about or proof of something

    "a valid will is a legal instrument"

    similar: certificate, certification, document
    related: credentials, diploma, parchment, record, warrant, writ, warranty, coupon, voucher

  2. an article intended for use in work

    "always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job"

    similar: device, implement, tool, utensil
    related: apparatus, appliance, mechanism, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo, jigger, accessory, accoutrement, adjunct, appendage, attachment

  3. something used to achieve an end

    "he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people"

    similar: agency, agent, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle
    related: determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool, weapon, activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger, antecedent, cause, occasion, reason, subagency, subagent

  4. one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

    "the claim that the scientists are mere instruments of the tobacco companies, who pay them to produce findings that are highly suspect"

    similar: cat's-paw, lay figure, pawn, puppet, tool
    related: chump, dupe, foil, gull, sucker, victim, minion, stooge, lapdog, yes-man

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instrument

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instrument:

certificate, certification, document, device, implement, tool, utensil, agency, agent, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle, cat's-paw, lay figure, pawn, puppet

Related Words for Instrument

credentials, diploma, parchment, record, warrant, writ, warranty, coupon, voucher, apparatus, appliance, mechanism, contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo, jigger, accessory, accoutrement, adjunct, appendage, attachment, determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, weapon, activator, animator

Word Forms of Instrument

Inflections: instrumented, instrumenting, instruments

Origin & Etymology of Instrument

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin instrumentum, from instruere to arrange, instruct

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Instrument

Words & Phrases Containing Instrument

instrument flying, instrument landing, instrument panel, brass instrument, percussion instrument, wind instrument, blunt instrument, musical instrument

Frequently Asked Questions about Instrument

What does "Instrument" mean?

"Instrument" means a device used to produce music; also, a singing voice. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a device used to produce music; also, a singing voice. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Instrument"?

Other words for "Instrument" include certificate, certification, document, device, implement, tool, utensil and agency. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instrument" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instrument"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instrument". Common alternatives include certificate, certification, document, device, implement, tool, utensil, agency, agent and instrumentality.

How do you use "Instrument" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instrument" in a sentence: "a valid will is a legal instrument"; "always choose the right instrument for any woodworking job"; "he sees scouting as an instrument for building character in young people".

Is "Instrument" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instrument" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Instrument" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Instrument" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Instrument"?

"Instrument" is pronounced /ˈin(t)-strə-mənt/ as a noun and /ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment/ as a verb and divided into syllables as in·stru·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Instrument"?

"Instrument" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin instrumentum, from instruere to arrange, instruct. First known use: 14th century.