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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s changed is the instrumentation. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 The post-flight investigation showed that the warning light had been a false alarm—the result of the indicator’s instrumentation being incorrectly installed. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 The instrumentation was newly recorded by Hay, Culture Club bassist Mikey Craig and session musicians. — Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2026 As usual, Dupuis handles all of the instrumentation herself on the mixtape, from three different types of guitars (electric, baritone, and acoustic) to organ, bass, drum programming, and beyond. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instrumentation

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instrumentation was in 1818

Rhymes for instrumentation

See All Rhymes for instrumentation

Browse Nearby Words

instrumentate
instrumentation
instrumentator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instrumentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instrumentation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about instrumentation

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