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

With modern technology and instrumentation, Byrne said, a lander could last eight hours or more, compared with the roughly one-hour-long mission durations attained decades ago by the former Soviet Union's Venera landers, with one enduring about two hours. —Leonard David, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Breathwork, sound, gesture, and instrumentation played key roles in oral poetry delivered in this era. —David Silverberg, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025

To add to the off-kilter feeling, the composer [Theodore] Shapiro scored the first half of the episode with unfamiliar themes and instrumentation. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025

Their fusion of folk instrumentation and electronic production makes for a hypnotic, genre-blurring experience. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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)