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 usual, Dupuis handles all of the instrumentation herself on the mixtape, from three different types of guitars (electric, baritone, and acoustic) to organ, bass, drum programming, and beyond. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 June 2026

The instrumentation was newly recorded by Hay, Culture Club bassist Mikey Craig and session musicians. —Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2026

Unlike many electronic performers, Rüfüs Du Sol build their shows around live instrumentation, with drums, synthesizers, guitars and vocals, creating a multisensory experience that feels more like a dance floor rock concert than a DJ set. —Bryan West, USA Today, 14 June 2026

The ship will also carry a 40-meter coring system for extracting deep-sea sediment samples, advanced oceanographic instrumentation, and fiber-rope lifting systems capable of operating across virtually the entire water column—from surface to seafloor. —Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 13 June 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)