¹implement

noun im·ple·ment \ˈim-plə-mənt\

: an object used to do work

Full Definition of IMPLEMENT

: an article serving to equip <the implements of religious worship>

: a device used in the performance of a task : tool, utensil

: one that serves as an instrument or tool <the partnership agreement does not seem to be a very potent implement — H. B. Hoffman>

See implement defined for English-language learners

See implement defined for kids

Examples of IMPLEMENT

They eat with us, do the beach with us; the girls, K.C. and Jessica, buy kitchen implements for us, come over to casually straighten up, make beds, clear the dishes from the sink and the bedrooms … —Dave Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, 2000
In the toolhouse … there were also antique implements worn like prehistoric artifacts: an ancient oblong pink whetstone pointed at either end and soapily warped by all its use, and an old-fashioned square hoe worn into a lopsided metal oval … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
There was a little implement called a lemon zester that she had bought from a door-to-door salesman. —Ann Beattie, New Yorker, 28 Dec. 1987
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Origin of IMPLEMENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin implementum action of filling up, from Latin implēre to fill up, from in- + plēre to fill — more at full

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to IMPLEMENT

Synonyms: device, instrument, tool, utensil

Synonym Discussion of IMPLEMENT

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work. implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task <crude stone implements> <farm implements>. tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement <a carpenter's tools>. instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work <the dentist's instruments>. appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment <household appliances>. utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity <kitchen utensils>.

²implement

verb im·ple·ment \ˈim-plə-ˌment\

: to begin to do or use (something, such as a plan) : to make (something) active or effective

Full Definition of IMPLEMENT

transitive verb

: carry out, accomplish; especially : to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures

: to provide instruments or means of expression for

— im·ple·men·ta·tion \ˌim-plə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-\ noun

— im·ple·men·ter or im·ple·men·tor \ˈim-plə-ˌmən-tər\ noun

See implement defined for English-language learners

Examples of IMPLEMENT

A federal interagency group should develop and implement a risk management strategy to reduce human exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals in food, says a report from the Institute of Medicine … —Bette Hileman, Chemical & Engineering News, 7 July 2003
… drew scattered snickers when he implemented a dress code for Senate staffers … —Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 12 July 1999
States remain years behind in implementing child support regulations … —New York Times, 30 Dec. 1997
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