instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce instruction (audio)
Synonyms of instruction
1
a
instructions plural : an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions
b
: a direction calling for compliance : order
—usually 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 of instruction

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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.
Instead, each core can natively execute Arm and IBM Z or LinuxONE instructions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026 Computer science While there is already a requirement in Connecticut schools to provide instruction in computer programming, a new law adds instruction in computer science that includes artificial intelligence and other technologies. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Those numbers should prompt serious questions about what is happening in classrooms and whether NYC Reads — the city’s sweeping changes to reading instruction — is producing the results students need. — Katie Pace Miles, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 The health department or another public health authority may provide specific quarantine instructions based on an individual’s circumstances. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for instruction

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Browse Nearby Words

instructible
instruction
instructional
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Cite this Entry

“Instruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instruction. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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.

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