# instrument

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɪnstɹəmənt/ · frequency rank #4,608

## Definitions
1. A device used to produce music.
2. A means or agency for achieving an aspect.
3. A measuring or displaying device.
4. A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
5. A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.
6. A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.
7. A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

## Etymology
From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”),
From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.

## Easily confused with
- **instruments** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instrument-vs-instruments)
- **instrumental** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instrument-vs-instrumental)
- **instalment** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/instalment-vs-instrument)

## Common misspellings (16)
`innstrument`, `insrtument`, `insstrument`, `instrmuent`, `instrrument`, `instruemnt`, `instrumennt`, `instrumentt`, `instrumetn`, `instrumment`, `instrumnet`, `insttrument`, `insturment`, `intsrument`, `isntrument`, `nistrument`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/instrument