1. tools or devices used for a particular purpose, especially for scientific or medical work
2. objects used to produce musical sounds
3. means by which something is achieved or done
Usage: formal

Examples

• The surgeon carefully arranged her instruments before the operation.
• The laboratory was filled with precision instruments for measuring temperature.
• She plays three different instruments in the school band.
• The orchestra tuned their instruments before the concert began.
• The treaty became an instrument of peace between the two nations.
• Education is often viewed as an instrument of social change.
• The dentist’s instruments were sterilized after each patient.