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

Baird upgrades Waters to outperform from neutral Baird says the analytical lab instrumentation company has upside potential. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025

The song writing process became a seamless exchange; Devika recording vocals and lyrics in San Francisco, Brook layering guitar and instrumentation from his studio, each iteration building upon the last. —Mandeep Rai, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

That was always rule number one: making sure that the music sounded authentic, presented in Spanish and with the traditional arrangements and instrumentation. —Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025

Unlike traditional bomba, plena usually includes vocals (as well as differences in drums and instrumentation). —Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instrumentation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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)