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

On orchestral tracks, like the opening scene from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the earbuds push the lower-register instrumentation forward in the mix somewhat. —PCMAG, 20 July 2024

The twosome’s mix of live and electronic instrumentation is delicate, Stuart explains. —Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

The instrumentation throughout this record feels completely free, courageous, uninhibited, and dangerously human. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 28 June 2024

Dillinger has always set itself apart from its contemporaries with heady, technical instrumentation, but in a lineup filled with older acts playing mostly old-school punk, the contrast was even more apparent. —Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

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)