English Reference
verb · noun

implement

v. · n.
US /ˈɪmpɫəmənt/ im·ple·ment UK spelling implemented, implementing, implements

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.to start using a plan, a rule, or a new system.

    v.to put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect. Transitive — requires a direct object such as 'policy', 'change', or 'strategy'.

    Simple

    The school decided to implement a new rule about using mobile phones in class.

    In context

    The board of directors voted to implement the restructuring plan immediately to address the declining quarterly profits.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    v.to create the code that makes a technical idea or design work.

    v.to realize a technical specification or algorithm through programming code.

    Simple

    The developers need to implement a more secure login system for the app.

    In context

    The engineering team spent three months trying to implement the new encryption protocol without slowing down the server response times.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.a tool or piece of equipment used for a specific task.

    n.a tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment used for a particular purpose.

    Simple

    The museum has a collection of ancient stone implements used for farming.

    In context

    The surgeon carefully laid out the necessary implements on the sterile tray before the procedure began.

Usage implement any changes · implement approach · implement change

The scheme will be implemented in two phases.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

The coach implements tactics based on the positions of players in the hope of giving their team an advantage.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Late Latin implēmentum (“a filling up”), from Latin impleō (“to fill up”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin impleō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated