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

Harrison had begun laying down instrumentation for the tune, though it was never completed during his lifetime. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Songs have to be original and no longer than three minutes, lead vocals must be performed live, there can be no live instrumentation, and no more than six performers can be onstage at a time during a performance. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 16 May 2025

With its fusion of regional Mexican instrumentation and subtle electronic elegance, DannyLux delivers intricate storytelling throughout. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 16 May 2025

Choro, an instrumental Brazilian tradition that was among the first New World musical styles to combine European instrumentation with African rhythms, has found new audiences in recent years far from South America. —Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 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)