instruction Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a message describing how something is to be done
    direction.
    • he gave directions faster than she could follow them
  2. noun the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
    educational activity; didactics; teaching; pedagogy; education.
    • he received no formal education
    • our instruction was carefully programmed
    • good classroom teaching is seldom rewarded
  3. noun the profession of a teacher
    teaching; pedagogy.
    • he prepared for teaching while still in college
    • pedagogy is recognized as an important profession
  4. noun (computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
    command; program line; statement.

WordNet

In*struc"tion noun
Etymology
L. instructio: cf. F. instruction.
Definitions
  1. The act of instructing, teaching, or furnishing with knowledge; information.
  2. That which instructs, or with which one is instructed; the intelligence or information imparted; as: (a) Precept; information; teachings. (b) Direction; order; command. "If my instructions may be your guide." Shak. Syn. -- Education; teaching; indoctrination; information; advice; counsel. See Education.

Webster 1913