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 futuristic concept was designed by William Towns, and incorporated extreme bodywork with an opulent interior that showcased innovative—and failure-prone—digital instrumentation, most of which has been replaced by analog panels by subsequent owners. —Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025

The user asked to see a piping and instrumentation diagram and then wanted to see the work orders for the vessel in question and the tag for that vessel. —Steve Banker, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Its emphasis on repetition, rhythm and electronic instrumentation solidified its global appeal, uniting people across identities and geographies. —Joycelyn Wilson, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025

With modern technology and instrumentation, Byrne said, a lander could last eight hours or more, compared with the roughly one-hour-long mission durations attained decades ago by the former Soviet Union's Venera landers, with one enduring about two hours. —Leonard David, Space.com, 8 Feb. 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)