instrumentation

noun

in·​stru·​men·​ta·​tion ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the arrangement or composition of music for instruments especially for a band or orchestra

2

: the use or application of instruments (as for observation, measurement, or control)

3

: instruments for a particular purpose

also : a selection or arrangement of instruments

Examples of instrumentation in a Sentence

There was a problem with the airplane's instrumentation.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a veteran soul singer, Fiona expertly finds the pockets of groove in the track’s live instrumentation. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024

Chicago changed the sound of rock music in the late ‘60s by including jazz instrumentation into their work. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

The album’s rich instrumentation—strings, smooth guitar, piano, congas, and horns—is woven into tales of love, struggle, and triumph. —Charles Moss, SPIN, 3 Oct. 2024

The new rendition of the track adds haunting instrumentation from the former Pink Floyd guitarist, 78, which creates a fascinating dichotomy with Body Count's intensity. —Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

instrumentation

noun

in·​stru·​men·​ta·​tion ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

: the arrangement or composition of music for instruments

2

: instruments for a particular purpose

the instrumentation of an aircraft

Medical Definition

instrumentation

noun

in·​stru·​men·​ta·​tion ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- 

: a use of or operation with instruments

especially : the use of one or more instruments in treating a patient (as in the passing of a cystoscope)