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

His instrumentation has always stood out, and does again here. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 30 June 2025

The award-winning hip hop soul band combines spoken word and live instrumentation. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

Advanced imaging, patient-specific instrumentation, patient selection and preoperative planning reduce these issues. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

The change of tempos backlights her sadness against crisp instrumentation and blurry rhythms, like Blaney is staring out a foggy bus window on the ride home. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 June 2025

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)