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

The post-flight investigation showed that the warning light had been a false alarm—the result of the indicator’s instrumentation being incorrectly installed. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026

What’s changed is the instrumentation. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 26 June 2026

Gabriel Huerta, a Valley Water instrumentation and controls technician and former Mission College student, emphasized the impact of being connected with industry leaders on his career. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

Day leans organic and loose, drawing inspiration from ’70s psychedelic pop and live instrumentation, while Night embraces a sleek, synth-heavy dance-pop atmosphere. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 22 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)