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 new record is 10 tracks of psychedelic soul — ambitious instrumentation from the best in the biz — and just what the doctor ordered. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Lush layers of melody and instrumentation submerges the listener in both metaphoric thought and shifting moods. — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

The sensors small size could also reduce the amount of cabling and other instrumentation needed around experiments. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

El Encanto is fresh, energetic, and made for dancing, driven by relentless, intricate rhythms and even brighter layers of instrumentation. — Air Mail, 15 Aug. 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)