# instrument

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ (US) · /ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instrument
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. musical device

noun · CEFR A2

an object used for playing or making music.

For teachers: a device specifically designed or adapted to produce musical sounds.

- She practiced playing her instrument for two hours every afternoon.
- The orchestra consists of several different families of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

### 2. measuring tool

noun · CEFR B1

a tool used for doing very exact work or measuring something.

For teachers: a tool or implement used for precise physical work, scientific observation, or measurement.

- The surgeon reached for a sharp instrument to begin the operation.
- The laboratory was equipped with delicate instruments designed to detect even the slightest changes in atmospheric pressure.

### 3. aviation/navigation

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a dial or screen in a plane or car that shows information like speed.

For teachers: a measuring device that provides data for the control and operation of a vehicle or machine.

- The pilot checked the instruments to make sure the plane was at the right height.
- During the storm, the pilot had to rely entirely on his flight instruments because visibility was near zero.

### 4. legal document

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a formal legal paper, such as a contract or a will.

For teachers: a formal legal document that creates, confirms, or records a right or liability.

- The lawyer prepared the legal instrument for the sale of the house.
- A negotiable instrument, such as a cheque or a promissory note, must be signed by the maker to be valid.

### 5. a means of doing something

noun · CEFR B2

something or someone used to make a specific result happen.

For teachers: a person or thing that is used as a means to achieve a particular aim.

- The new law was an instrument for social change in the country.
- The diplomat acted as an instrument of peace, facilitating communication between the two warring factions.

### 6. to add sensors

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to add measuring tools or sensors to a machine or system.

For teachers: to equip a vehicle, machine, or system with measuring devices or sensors for monitoring performance.

- Engineers had to instrument the bridge to monitor how it moved in the wind.
- The prototype was heavily instrumented to collect data on thermal stress during high-speed testing.

## Examples

- She plays several musical instruments including the piano and violin.
- The pilot checked the flight instruments to ensure the plane was at the correct altitude.
- The treaty served as a vital instrument for peace, providing the legal framework necessary to resolve the long-standing border dispute between the two nations.

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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.