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

But these demos, which strip away extraneous instrumentation, are almost jarringly lovely. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2025

As for the instrumentation, the speedometer and tachometer max out at 160 mph and 7,000 rpm, respectively. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2025

The reusable satellite had been designed as an interchangeable instrumentation platform, allowing for a wide range of mission types. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025

Porcupine Tree frontman and remixer to the stars Steven Wilson zhuzhed up the master tapes just enough to let the instrumentation breathe a little more without altering the songs themselves. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 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)