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.
Transmission, distribution, instrumentation, controls and operational software all influence how the system performs. — Charlie Sanchez, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 While the Blue Origin telecommunications orbiter would support future exploration missions, the announcement did not outline plans for any science instrumentation onboard. — Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Fever’s Candlelight series has built a global business around reimagining familiar catalogs through classical instrumentation, with previous programs celebrating everyone from the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac to Adele, Taylor Swift and Hans Zimmer. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 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 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 22 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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