in·stru·ment
ˈin(t)-strə-mənt 
1
: a device used to produce music
also
: a singing voice
2
: implement
especially
: one designed for precision work
3
a
: a measuring device for determining the present value of a quantity under observation
b
: an electrical or mechanical device used in navigating an airplane
especially
: such a device used as the sole means of navigating
4
5
: a formal legal document (such as a deed, bond, or agreement)
in·stru·ment
ˈin(t)-strə-ˌment
instrumented; instrumenting; instruments
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
Examples of instrument in a Sentence
Noun
an instrument designed to measure the Earth's atmosphere
The piano was his favorite musical instrument.
Do you play any instruments?
Recent Examples on the Web
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
For the new study, astronomers combined WEAVE’s data with observations from other instruments, including the Low Frequency Array, the Very Large Array and the James Webb Space Telescope.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Apr. 2023
Unlike earthquake prediction — which in terms of short-term prediction is currently not feasible and may never be feasible on a short timescale — volcano prediction is feasible and is common if volcanoes are instrumented.
—NBC News, 23 May 2018
See all Example Sentences for instrument 
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Noun
The largest and most powerful space telescope ever built, Webb's infrared instruments are capable of seeing objects so distant, the light from them takes up to 13.5 billion years to reach us, effectively providing a window back into the infancy of the universe.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
For the new study, astronomers combined WEAVE’s data with observations from other instruments, including the Low Frequency Array, the Very Large Array and the James Webb Space Telescope.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
Swedish scientists who instrumented grizzlies there concluded that the animals might become hot in their superinsulated space with the returning hours of sunshine.
—Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Apr. 2023
Unlike earthquake prediction — which in terms of short-term prediction is currently not feasible and may never be feasible on a short timescale — volcano prediction is feasible and is common if volcanoes are instrumented.
—NBC News, 23 May 2018
See all Example Sentences for instrument
Dictionary Entries Near instrument
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrument. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
instrument
noun
in·stru·ment
ˈin(t)-strə-mənt
: any implement, tool, or utensil (as for surgery)
Legal Definition
instrument
noun
in·stru·ment
1
: a means or implement by which something is achieved, performed, or furthered
an instrument of crime
2
: a document (as a deed, will, bond, note, certificate of deposit, insurance policy, warrant, or writ) evidencing rights or duties especially of one party to another under the law
a person is not liable on an instrument unless the person signed the instrument—Uniform Commercial Code
Uniform Commercial Codean indictment is a form of charging instrument
specifically
: negotiable instrument
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