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

Williams turns his ear for propulsive and bombastic melodies onto traditional Japanese instrumentation, creating a work that sways between gentle, meditative themes for the titular geisha (Ziyi) and heart-pounding selections to fill out her chaotic, tragic life. —Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026

Morgen produced the album and played on practically every track, contributing nearly all the auxiliary instrumentation that allows Buckaroo’s simple acoustic core to bloom. —David Glickman, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026

Born and raised in San Diego, Russo grew up immersed in music from an early age, with a father who performed in a pop-punk band and made live instrumentation and creative collaboration part of her everyday life. —Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026

The critical components include nuclear-grade components such as the pressure vessel, cooling tubes, control and shutdown mechanisms, instrumentation, and controls, as well as the reactor fuel. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 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)