instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce instruction (audio)
Synonyms of instructionnext
1
a
instructions plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions
b
: a direction calling for compliance : order
—usually used in plural
had instructions not to admit strangers
c
: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation
d
: precept
prevailing cultural instructions
2
: the action, practice, or profession of teaching
instructional
in-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce instruction (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of instruction in a Sentence

You should read each instruction carefully. Their instruction was to deliver the package by five o'clock. The after-school program offers reading instruction to students who need it. The computer can handle one million instructions per second.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In comparison, instruction spending per student in the state only increased by 24.4% to $8,316 from $6,683. —Wenyuan Wu, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024 Finally, the simple app also offers a digital version of the instruction manual and the option to send King Smith feedback on the device. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Imagine leveraging LLMs through multi-agent systems, where these specialized agents collaborate to accomplish tasks, ensuring instructions are understood and autonomously executed. —Abhi Maheshwari, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Pop superstar Taylor Swift gave her fans special instructions for Election Day. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instruction 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of instruction was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing instruction

Dictionary Entries Near instruction

instructible

instruction

instruction card

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Instruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instruction. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

instruction

noun
in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce instruction (audio)
1
a
: precept
instructions of ethical behavior
b
: command entry 2 sense 2, order
had instructions not to talk to strangers
c
plural : an outline or set of procedures to be followed : directions
instructions for assembling a rocking chair
d
: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation
2
: the action or practice of an instructor or teacher
instructional
-shnəl How to pronounce instruction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Legal Definition

instruction

noun
in·​struc·​tion
: an explanation of an applicable principle of law given by a judge to a jury before the jury retires to consider its verdict

called also jury charge, jury instruction

Note: Under both the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, at the close of evidence, or before the close if the court reasonably so directs, any party may file written requests for the instructions to be given to the jury by the court. The court must advise the parties of its decision regarding the instructions prior to closing argument so that the parties may address the instructions during argument. Any objections to the instructions must be made before the jury retires for deliberation.

More from Merriam-Webster on instruction

Nglish: Translation of instruction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of instruction for Arabic Speakers

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