What does "instruction" mean?

1. (teaching or training) the act of teaching someone a subject or a skill. 2. (directions for use) a set of steps that tell you how to do or use something. 3. (an order) an official order telling someone what they must do. 4. (computing command) a single command that tells a computer what to do.

How do you use "instruction"?

Often used as an uncountable noun in this sense. Countable in this technical context.

Is it correct to say "I read the instruction for the camera."?

No — say "I read the instructions for the camera.". When referring to the printed steps in a manual, the word is almost always used in the plural form.

instruction

US //ˌɪnˈstɹəkʃən// UK //ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən// in·struc·tion

1 teaching or training (n.)
B1 Intermediate Formal

the act of teaching someone a subject or a skill.

the process of providing information, knowledge, or training in a structured manner.

Example

The course provides basic instruction in how to use the software.

Example

The curriculum focuses on individualized instruction, ensuring that each student masters the fundamental concepts before moving to advanced theory.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in this sense.
2 directions for use (n.)
A2 Elementary

a set of steps that tell you how to do or use something.

a detailed set of directions provided to guide a user through a specific task or the operation of a device.

Example

I followed the instructions on the box to build the bookshelf.

Example

The assembly instructions were translated poorly, leading to significant confusion among the technicians during the initial setup phase.
Pitfall

I read the instruction for the camera.

I read the instructions for the camera.

When referring to the printed steps in a manual, the word is almost always used in the plural form.

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3 an order (n.)
B1 Intermediate

an official order telling someone what they must do.

a specific command or directive issued by an authority figure or client.

Example

The soldiers had strict instructions not to fire unless attacked.

Example

The legal team awaited further instructions from the client before filing the formal appeal with the high court.
4 computing command (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a single command that tells a computer what to do.

a basic command or operation defined by a computer's architecture that the processor can execute.

Example

The processor can execute millions of instructions every second.

Example

The compiler optimizes the code by reducing the total number of instructions required to perform the calculation, thereby increasing execution speed.

Usage

Countable in this technical context.
- command
- operation

Origin

From Middle English instruccioun, from Old French instruccion, from Latin instructio; equivalent to instruct + -ion.

Word family

Nouninstruction
Adjectiveinstructional