instrumentation

noun

in·​stru·​men·​ta·​tion ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce instrumentation (audio)
-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 Since 2010, founding rhythm section Chester Hansen and Alexander Sowinski have risen to fame covering trap hits by Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame with live instrumentation, and backed Ghostface Killah on the acclaimed 2015 album Sour Soul. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 18 Mar. 2024 On orchestral tracks like the opening scene from John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the headphones boost the lower-register instrumentation a bit too much, though this presentation does lend some body and excitement to the otherwise bright delivery. PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2024 In working with Cobb — one of Nashville’s most accomplished and in-demand producers — Malik will explore new sonic territory and lean into pairing his unmistakable vocals with live instrumentation. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 This transformation extends from enterprise networks to everyday devices and sensors, such as smart watches, smart appliances and innovative instrumentation on just about any technology imaginable. Dave Link, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Premiere clarinet-violin-piano ensemble, the Zodiac Trio, is known for its performances featuring unconventional instrumentation, hidden gems, eclectic arrangements, and the occasional duo/solo. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Wilson and Vail first collaborated on the project in 1970 and the version that fans will be able to hear in 2025 will feature instrumentation that was completed at the time and new vocals from Vail, per Rolling Stone. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 And because the peninsula is covered in geophysical instrumentation, scientists can follow the movement of the magma with remarkable precision in almost real time. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024 His voice had lots of reverb and there was instrumentation backing his vocals, including plenty of pedal steel. William Earl, Variety, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instrumentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrumentation was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near instrumentation

Cite this Entry

“Instrumentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

instrumentation

noun
in·​stru·​men·​ta·​tion ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce instrumentation (audio)
-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- How to pronounce instrumentation (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on instrumentation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!