instrumentality

noun in·stru·men·tal·i·ty \ ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē , -ˌmen- \

Definition of instrumentality

plural instrumentalities

1 :the quality or state of being instrumental

2 :means, agency

See instrumentality defined for kids

Examples of instrumentality in a Sentence

computer literacy is only an instrumentality for acquiring an education, and not an end in itself

Recent Examples of instrumentality from the Web

Investments in the Funds are not deposits or obligations of any bank, not insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency or instrumentality.

— stephen wilmot, WSJ, "Investors Overestimate Nestlé’s Appetite for Radical Change," 29 Aug. 2017
But, by implanting microchips into humans, no instrumentality is required.

— paul sassone, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Seems like we'll all be robots sooner or later," 3 Aug. 2017
Williams was booked with illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Paintball gun sale leads to Kenner teen's arrest when real gun goes off," 19 June 2017
A president also could not receive royalties from foreign book sales if the purchases came from a foreign government instrumentality, such as a foreign public university, the lawyers said.

— larry neumeister, The Seattle Times, "Government seeks dismissal of suit over Trump’s businesses," 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'instrumentality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of instrumentality

1646

instrumentality Synonyms

Synonyms

agency, instrument, agent, machinery, means, medium, ministry, organ, vehicle

Law Dictionary

instrumentality

noun in·stru·men·tal·i·ty \ ˌin-strə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē, -ˌmen- \

legal Definition of instrumentality

plural instrumentalities

1 :something through which an end is achieved or occurs

damages incurred in a single incident through an instrumentality owned by the employer

2 :something that serves as an intermediary or agent through which one or more functions of a larger controlling entity are carried out :a part or branch especially of a governing body — compare alter ego