instrument panel

noun

1. Also called instrument board. a panel on which are mounted an array of dials, lights, and gauges that monitor the performance of a machine or device, as an airplane.
2. Automotive. dashboard ( def 1 ).

instrument panel

noun

1. a panel on which instruments are mounted, as on a car See also dashboard
2. an array of instruments, gauges, etc, mounted to display the condition or performance of a machine or process

Word History and Origins

Origin of instrument panel¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Their sheet metal instrument panels were studded with hundreds of switches, dials, lights and analog gauges.

From Time

Boeing found “a potential weakening of bonds associated with electrical grounding” that could affect the main instrument panel, a standby power unit and a key circuit breaker panel, the agency said.

From Washington Post

The Mustang’s high-tech nature makes it a good candidate to have been the first vehicle to replace that instrument panel entirely with a head-up display, which would put the relevant information even more directly into the driver’s line of sight.

From Popular-Science

Immediately behind the safe door, an instrument panel had been built in the opening.

From Project Gutenberg

The next thing I saw was two rows of bullet holes chewing up each side of my instrument panel.

From Project Gutenberg

A melodious chime came from a big instrument panel built into the wall of the oval room.

From Project Gutenberg

A flashing of yellow light on the instrument panel brought his thanks to a sudden halt.

From Project Gutenberg

Note how much current is indicated on the ammeter mounted on the instrument panel of the car as the different lamps are turned on.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dashboard