instruction

noun

in·​struc·​tion in-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce instruction (audio)
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 adjective

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 To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024 Their instructions and encouragement were successfully only in building her confidence. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 In his research, historian Alexis Schwarzenbach found Beaton’s instructions for a retoucher to remove the wrinkles from a 1941 portrait of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, who was 39. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 Other cuts include eliminating 9.5 teaching positions, three curriculum and instruction department positions and one administrator. Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024 Unlike a lot of wraps with complicated instructions, this one slips over the adult’s head. Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 School board member Nick Melvoin said the debate underscores the need for better early math instruction. Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the best way to clean your air conditioner or furnace filter, but the steps below will work for most reusable filters. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2024 The challenge relates to the instructions that were given to jurors. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instruction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near instruction

Cite this Entry

“Instruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instruction. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!