A2noun 1K

Instrument

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈɪnstrəmənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈɪnstrəmənt/"]/

Meaning of Instrument

an object used for producing musical sounds, for example a piano or a drum

In simple words: A tool used to make music or to do specific tasks.

Instrument in a sentence

• She plays a musical instrument in the school band.
• The doctor used an instrument to examine the patient.
• He is learning to play a new instrument called the ukulele.
• An instrument can also refer to a tool used for scientific purposes.
• The kitchen is filled with various cooking instruments.

How to use Instrument

Use 'instrument' in formal or educational contexts when referring to tools for music or science. It's less common in informal conversations unless talking about music.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'instruments' as 'in-songs' — tools that help create music.

Related words

Collocations with Instrument

• musical
• beautiful
• fine
• play
• learn
• learn to play
• sound
• maker
• on an/​the instrument
• precision
• sensitive
• sophisticated
• set
• use
• check
• read
• measure something
• check
• maker
• panel
• an instrument of torture
• precision
• sensitive
• sophisticated
• set
• use
• check
• read
• measure something
• check
• maker
• panel
• an instrument of torture
• chief
• key
• main
• regard somebody/​something as
• see somebody/​something as
• view somebody/​something as
• instrument for
• instrument of

Synonyms for Instrument

• tool
• device
• implement
• contraption
• gadget

Opposites of Instrument

• vandal
• destroyer

Common mistakes with Instrument

• Confused with 'utensil' – utensils are only for cooking.
• Using 'instrument' only for musical devices, not recognizing broader meanings.
• Mixing it up with 'appliance' which refers to electrical devices.

Frequently asked questions about Instrument

What does Instrument mean?

A tool used to make music or to do specific tasks.

What is the definition of Instrument?

an object used for producing musical sounds, for example a piano or a drum

How do you use Instrument in a sentence?

She plays a musical instrument in the school band.

Can you give another example of Instrument?

The doctor used an instrument to examine the patient.

What are synonyms for Instrument?

Common alternatives include tool, device, implement, contraption, gadget.

What is the opposite of Instrument?

Opposite meanings include vandal, destroyer.

What words go with Instrument?

It commonly pairs with musical, beautiful, fine, play, learn, learn to play, sound, maker, on an/​the instrument, precision, sensitive, sophisticated, set, use, check, read, measure something, check, maker, panel, an instrument of torture, precision, sensitive, sophisticated, set, use, check, read, measure something, check, maker, panel, an instrument of torture, chief, key, main, regard somebody/​something as, see somebody/​something as, view somebody/​something as, instrument for, instrument of.

What are common mistakes when using Instrument?

Confused with 'utensil' – utensils are only for cooking. Using 'instrument' only for musical devices, not recognizing broader meanings. Mixing it up with 'appliance' which refers to electrical devices.

How do you pronounce Instrument?

US: /["/ˈɪnstrəmənt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈɪnstrəmənt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Instrument?

Use 'instrument' in formal or educational contexts when referring to tools for music or science. It's less common in informal conversations unless talking about music.

What CEFR level is Instrument?

"Instrument" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.