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.
The Bay Area rapper’s latest record boasts vivid scenes and careful character studies, backed by live instrumentation and occasionally staid samples. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 The track finds frontman Grian Chatten and ROSALÍA intertwining their voices over lush instrumentation, offering another glimpse of the band’s evolving sound. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026 Their tracking systems and instrumentation help monitor missile trajectories and generate data required to evaluate performance. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 The investigation is partnering with Honeybee Robotics to help build the equipment and instrumentation that will be necessary for the study. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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