instruction

UK: /ɪnˈstrʌkʃ^ən/ US: /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ ,(in struk′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•struc•tion /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/   n. 

1. the act or practice of instructing:
   [uncountable] methods of instruction using computers.
2. knowledge or information imparted:
   [uncountable] The course gives you a lot of instruction but not very much that is useful.
3. Usually, instructions. [plural] orders, directions, or advice:
   [countable] The book was entitled "Instructions for the Lonely.''

in•struc•tion•al, adj.: 

instructional materials for the classroom, such as overhead projectors.

See -stru-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•struc•tion  (in struk′shən), n. 

1. the act or practice of instructing or teaching;
   education.
2. knowledge or information imparted.
3. an item of such knowledge or information.
4. Usually, instructions. orders or directions:
   The instructions are on the back of the box.
5. the act of furnishing with authoritative directions.
6. Computing a command given to a computer to carry out a particular operation.

• Latin instructiōn- (stem of instructiō). See instruct, -ion
• late Middle English instruccio(u)n 1375–1425

in•struc′tion•al, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. tutoring, coaching; training, drill, exercise; indoctrination; schooling.
• 5. command, mandate.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

instruction / ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ noun

1. a direction; order
2. the process or act of imparting knowledge; teaching; education
3. a part of a program consisting of a coded command to the computer to perform a specified function

inˈstructional adjective