Meaning

A device used to produce music..

Definitions by Sense

1. A device used to produce music.
2. A means or agency for achieving an aspect.
3. A measuring or displaying device.
4. A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
5. (law) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
6. (figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.
7. (transitive) To apply measuring devices.
8. (transitive) To devise, conceive, cook up, plan.

Example Sentences

The violinist was a master of her instrument.

The Harpe. […] A harper with his wreſt maye tune the harpe wrong / Mys tunying of an Inſtrument ſhal hurt a true ſonge

But those who attack violists shouldn't throw resin. Once the ergonomic viola catches on what instrument will be immune?

MOHAMMAD REZA SHAJARIAN (Thursday) Renowned in his native Iran, the vocalist Mohammad Reza Shajarian has been performing since the 1960s, and is now widely considered one of the finest classical Persian singers in the world. Mr. Shajarian’s son, Homayoun Shajarian, will provide additional vocals and tombak (goblet drum), while Ensemble Ava, a four-piece, will contribute additional instrumentation on the ancient Persian instruments barbat (short-necked lute), tar (long-necked lute), kamancheh (spike fiddle) and daf (frame drum).

“There the cause of death was soon ascertained ; the victim of this daring outrage had been stabbed to death from ear to ear with a long, sharp instrument, in shape like an antique stiletto, which […] was subsequently found under the cushions of the hansom. […]”

On the rocky island of Tungyin, 50 miles off the coast of Red China, is the headquarters of a little-known military unit called the Anti-Communist Salvation Army. The secret army, 30,000 strong, is Chiang Kai-shek's instrument for the long-promised return to the mainland.

The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.

The dentist set down his tray of instruments.

Word Forms

• instruments
• instrumenting
• instrumented

Synonyms for instrument

Related Words

When Should You Use Instrument?

Use instrument when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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