What does "implement" mean?

1. (to put into action) to start using a plan, a rule, or a new system. 2. (computing) to create the code that makes a technical idea or design work. 3. (a tool) a tool or piece of equipment used for a specific task.

implement

v. · n.

US //ˈɪmpɫəmənt// im·ple·ment

1 to put into action (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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

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

Example

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

Example

The board of directors voted to implement the restructuring plan immediately to address the declining quarterly profits.
- execute
- carry out
- apply
2 computing (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

to realize a technical specification or algorithm through programming code.

Example

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

Example

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

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 a tool (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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

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

Example

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

Example

The surgeon carefully laid out the necessary implements on the sterile tray before the procedure began.
- tool
- utensil
- instrument

Origin

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

Word family

Verbimplement
Nounimplementation