What does "instrument" mean?
A device used to produce music.
Instrument
/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Top 500 ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A device used to produce music.
- Grammar: instrument is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: tool, implement, musical instrument, a device.
- Useful contrasts: no more pages, disarm, ends.
- Usage evidence: Do you play a musical instrument?
How to use "instrument"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "instrument" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "instrument" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "instrument" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "instrument" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "instrument" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "tool" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "instrument", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A device used to produce music.
"The violinist was a master of her instrument."
- 2 the means whereby some act is accomplished wordnet
- 3 A means or agency for achieving an effect.
"“There the cause of death was soon ascertained ; the victim of this daring outrage had been stabbed to death from ear to ear with a long, sharp instrument, in shape like an antique stiletto, which […] was subsequently found under the cushions of the hansom. […]”"
- 4 a device that requires skill for proper use wordnet
- 5 A measuring or displaying device.
"The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds wordnet
- 7 A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
"The dentist set down his tray of instruments."
- 8 the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process wordnet
- 9 A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.; Ellipsis of flight instrument. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis, plural-normally
"Flight within clouds must be made by reference to your instruments."
- 10 (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right wordnet
- 11 A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
"A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value."
- 12 a person used by another to gain an end wordnet
- 13 A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal. figuratively
"Or useful serving man and instrument, / To any sovereign state."
Verb
- 1 To apply measuring devices. transitive
"an instrumented test article"
- 2 address a legal document to wordnet
- 3 To devise, conceive, cook up, plan. transitive
"When the Lit. Mongers deign to notice his work, they dismiss him as a "cult writer," another of their standard ploys. Purdy, not really bitter at the instrumented silence and sneers of the bookchat legions, […]"
- 4 write an instrumental score for wordnet
- 5 To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument.
"a sonata instrumented for orchestra"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 equip with instruments for measuring, recording, or controlling wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Do you play a musical instrument?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "instrument"?
Common synonyms include: tool, implement, musical instrument, a device, absolute altimeter, accelerometer.
How do you use "instrument" in a sentence?
Do you play a musical instrument?
How do you pronounce "instrument"?
Pronounced /ˈɪnstɹəmənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”), From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.