instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess
Recent Examples on the Web Even so, vice presidential debates can still be instructive. David French, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024 However, our experience fighting the world’s deadliest infectious diseases is instructive. Peter Sands, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 The anticipated move by the Federal Reserve is instructive in several respects. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 The fact that Brooke interprets the woman’s approach as a manipulation is instructive. Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instructive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near instructive

Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on instructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!