American English
/ˈɪn.stɹə.mn̩t̚/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
A tool or device designed for a particular job or purpose.
Practice out loudA tool or device designed for a particular job or purpose.
The doctor used a small instrument to remove the splinter.
This instrument is made for cutting glass.
For a simple hand tool, tool is often more natural. Instrument is common for musical instruments and precise or specialized devices.
medical instrument · surgical instrument · scientific instrument · precision instrument
use + an instrument + to + verb
an instrument for + -ing
An object that makes music when you play it.
My daughter plays the violin.
He wants to learn an instrument.
For Spanish tocar un instrumento, use play an instrument, not touch an instrument.
play an instrument · musical instrument · string instrument · wind instrument
play + the + instrument
learn to play + an + instrument
A device used to measure or record something.
The instrument measures air pressure.
The technician checked the reading on the instrument.
measuring instrument · laboratory instrument · recording instrument · electronic instrument
read + the + instrument
an instrument for + -ing
A person or thing used to produce a particular result, often by someone else.
The law became an instrument of social change.
They used fear as an instrument of control.
an instrument of change · an instrument of control · an instrument of power
an instrument of + noun
use + something + as + an instrument of + noun
An object used to make music.
She can play several musical instruments.
The part of a vehicle or machine that contains its controls and displays.
The warning light appeared on the instrument panel.
A contract or asset with financial value, such as a share or a bond.
The bank offers several financial instruments.