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
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
And the actors themselves are playing the instruments live, conveying the type of technical genius that makes this type of dynamic all the more convincing.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instrument 
Noun
Sydney Roslin will direct the production and Kozma will conduct the period instrument orchestra.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
And the actors themselves are playing the instruments live, conveying the type of technical genius that makes this type of dynamic all the more convincing.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instrument
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instrument.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near instrument
Cite this Entry
“Instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrument. Accessed 3 May. 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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