# instructor

/ˌɪnˈstɹəktɝ/ (US) · /ɪnstɹˈʌktɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instructor
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a person whose job is to teach you a specific skill or sport. You might have an instructor for driving, swimming, or yoga.

For teachers: a person who teaches a specific practical skill or physical activity. In North American academic contexts, it may also refer to a university teacher of a lower rank than a professor.

## Examples

- The driving instructor is very patient with new students.
- After three private sessions with the ski instructor, I finally felt confident enough to try the steeper slope.
- While the lead professor designs the curriculum, the laboratory instructor is responsible for guiding students through the practical application of each experiment.

## Usage notes

- Often used with a modifying noun to specify the field, such as 'fitness instructor' or 'flight instructor'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.