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 rest was filled in by Susan’s vampire-next-door vocal performance and wistful instrumentation. —Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026

The track has been newly mixed and mastered and features Prince producing, arranging, composing and performing all instrumentation. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

What became their sound, more so than instrumentation, was this naive form of optimism. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

In addition to the instrumentation, she also was inspired to try jazz singing after spending time with Chet Baker’s catalog and favoring his style of intonation. —Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 13 Apr. 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)