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

Example Sentences

There was a problem with the airplane's instrumentation.

Recent Examples on the Web

He is fixated on sequencing, and on maintaining a dynamism of tone and pace even when working with familiar instrumentation. —Paul Thompson, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2022

The instrumentation matches the lyrics’ sunny vibes perfectly, flitting between sappy acoustic and electric guitar as well as a small but noticeable element of country twang throughout the indie gem. —Joe Lynch, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2022

The funds will be used to train staff on new instrumentation and equipment that will identify and determine the concentration of drugs and other chemicals in DUI samples. —David Hernandez Dec. 26, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2022

This was a landmark contribution in the area of RF and microwave instrumentation and system design. —Stephen Ibaraki, Forbes, 12 July 2022

Modes offer different instrumentation designs, and the right side showcases navigation, music, and phone interfaces. —Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 15 Nov. 2022

The sturdy torque of Rateliff’s vocals center the defiance and endless devotion of the lyrics, while the rollicking instrumentation retains the freewheeling heart of the original. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2022

Unlike later albums, the Beatles recorded the basic instrumentation live onto one-inch tape, often to a single track. —Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2022

He was revered for his skills on the timbales (timpani/kettledrums), as well as for his big band instrumentation and jazz harmonies with Afro-Cuban music. —Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022

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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)