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

What begins as a folky rendition turns strange with electronic hiss and distorted guitar, even if the bassist is trying to match Dylan’s furor with her instrumentation. — David Harris, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

Regulators reviewed the digital instrumentation and control architecture in August, with official sign-off scheduled for October. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Buoyant instrumentation and a highly singable chorus create an infectious momentum, even as the lyrics reveal the vulnerability behind the celebration. — Qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

While Gutenberg and Richter focused primarily on theory, Benioff concentrated on instrumentation. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2026

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)