implement
Americannoun
-
any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.
agricultural implements.
-
an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.
-
a means; agent.
human beings as an implement of divine plan.
verb (used with object)
-
to fulfill; perform; carry out.
Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.
-
to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.
-
Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.
-
to fill out or supplement.
-
to provide with implements.
noun
-
a piece of equipment; tool or utensil
gardening implements
-
something used to achieve a purpose; agent
verb
-
to carry out; put into action; perform
to implement a plan
-
archaic to complete, satisfy, or fulfil
Usage
What are other ways to say implement? The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
implementationnoun
-
implementernoun
-
implementaladjective
-
implementableadjective
-
nonimplementnoun
-
nonimplementaladjective
-
implementornoun
-
reimplementverb (used with object)
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has implementedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have implementedperfect
-
are implementingprogressive
-
has been implementingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
is implementingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am implementingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been implementingperfect progressive
-
implementssingular 3rd person
-
implementingparticiple
Past
-
had implementedperfect
-
had been implementingperfect progressive
-
was implementingprogressive singular
-
were implementingprogressive plural
-
implementedsimple
-
implementedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of implement
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- 1 + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment
Explanation
Apply the noun implement when you want to use a fancy word for "tool." A knife and fork are implements for handling food. The noun implement is a very useful word for just about anything you want to describe as a tool or a thing that helps you do something. An implement can be as simple as chimpanzees using a stick to eat ants with or a bulldozer that moves huge amounts of earth in building. The word relates to something that "fills up" a house, as in all sorts of things that allow a house to work properly.
Vocabulary lists containing implement
Essential English Vocabulary, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"A Retrieved Reformation" by O. Henry
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
30 GRE Words Beginning with "I"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Heaney believes that Netflix could catch a break from this short form video competition as more countries implement social media bans for teens.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Medicaid will also implement similar stricter work rules for more older adults.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Recently, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion urging the commission to “refrain from entering into any new Memoranda of Understanding, Contracts, or other Agreements, or implement any pilot programs with Flock Safety or its affiliates.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
But if past is prologue, the courts won’t willingly implement reform.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
She had been drilled so many times that, as she was meant to, she had begun to implement the steps already.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
