a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
"I couldn't get the new printer working because I lost the instructions that came in the box."
plural of instruction
"Please follow the instructions printed on the back of the box to assemble the furniture correctly."
In plain English: Instructions are directions that tell you exactly what to do step by step.
"The recipe included clear instructions on how to bake the cake."
Usage: Use instructions to refer to a set of directions or orders given to someone on how to perform a task. Do not confuse this with the singular form, which typically means a command or an act of teaching.
Derived from Latin instruere, this term originally meant to build up, arrange, or equip. It evolved through Old French instrucion to denote directions given for performing an action.