in·stance
ˈin(t)-stən(t)s 
1
: a step, stage, or situation viewed as part of a process or series of events
These delays are just another instance of inefficient bureaucracy.
prefers, in this instance, to remain anonymous—
The Times Literary Supplement (London)
The Times Literary Supplement (London)2
: the institution and prosecution of a lawsuit : suit
3
4
archaic
a
: instigation, request
am writing to you at the instance of my client
b
: urgent or earnest solicitation
c
: an impelling cause or motive
see also:
instanced; instancing
1
: to illustrate or demonstrate by an instance
2
: to mention as a case or example : cite
Examples of instance in a Sentence
Noun
an instance of great courage
These delays are just another instance of bureaucratic inefficiency.
In most instances the disease can be controlled by medication.
They have decided not to oppose the decision in this instance.
Verb
instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes
instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude
Recent Examples on the Web
John Tamny, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Waymo did not cite a specific instance that prompted the most recent recall, but the company has been forced to pause operations to improve software in several Southern states that have been hit by flash floods, including Texas, Tennessee and Georgia.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Along with her participation in the hotel nights, this also included, Jane testified, instances where she was asked to fly with drugs for Combs.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instance
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Noun
Not only was there money everywhere, but their scholarships came with an agreement that spanned a lifetime to complete their degree, facilities that in most instances put those of the NFL to shame, and a rolodex their fellow collegians would have given anything for.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Waymo did not cite a specific instance that prompted the most recent recall, but the company has been forced to pause operations to improve software in several Southern states that have been hit by flash floods, including Texas, Tennessee and Georgia.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Verb
What instances like those involving Zverev, Andreeva and Rybakina in Madrid also prove is how counterproductive the upcoming French Open’s decision to eschew ELC and continue using the physical traces of the ball is.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Along with her participation in the hotel nights, this also included, Jane testified, instances where she was asked to fly with drugs for Combs.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instance
Cite this Entry
“Instance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instance. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instance
1 of 2 noun
in·stance
ˈin(t)-stən(t)s
1
: request entry 1 sense 1
entered the writing contest at the instance of her teacher
2
: example sense 3
an instance of rare courage
3
: a particular point or step in an action or process
in the first instance
Legal Definition
instance
noun
in·stance
ˈin-stəns
: the institution or prosecution of a lawsuit
a court of first instance
Etymology
Noun
French, from Late Latin instantia, from Latin, the fact of being present or impending, vehemence in speech, urgency, from instant-, instans insistent, pressing, from present participle of instare to be pressing, stand upon
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