instrument panel

American  

[in-struh-muhnt pan-l] / ˈɪn strə mənt ˌpæn l /

noun

1. Also called instrument 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.

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instrument panel British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of instrument panel

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

He also developed a professional obsession with instrument panels.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the prolonged shaking knocked out power lines, backup generators clicked on to run the plant’s instrument panels and keep critical coolant moving through the reactors.

From Literature

But Powers’s knees were jammed under the instrument panel.

From Literature

It was the summer of 1965 when a captain and student pilot forgot they had placed unwrapped teacakes above their instrument panels.

From BBC

Tesla is recalling more than 2 million U.S. vehicles because some warning lights on the instrument panel are too small.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dashboard