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 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 Again; the music was recorded, Prokofiev reduced in length and instrumentation, the score sanatorium-sanitized. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 The lower-register instrumentation gets a slight boost, but the higher-register brass, strings, and vocals take center stage. PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024 Instrument rating, which also requires a minimum of 35 hours, teaches greater mastery of aircraft control, systems and instrumentation and allows the holder to fly by sole reference to the aircraft's instruments. Ryan Anderson, arkansasonline.com, 24 Nov. 2023 There’s also a subtle international flavor to the album, with a diverse range of instrumentation including didgeridoo, Uillean pipes and tanpura. Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 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 19 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

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