instrumentation

[in-struh-men-tey-shuh n]

See more synonyms for instrumentation on Thesaurus.com

noun

the arranging of music for instruments, especially for an orchestra.
the list of instruments for which a composition is scored.
the use of, or work done by, instruments.

instrumental agency; instrumentality.
the science of developing, manufacturing, and utilizing instruments, especially those used in science and industry.

Origin of instrumentation

1835–45; instrument (v.) + -ation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for instrumentation

instrument, apparatus, fashion, process, agent, course, manner, measure, gimmick, avenue, auspices, paraphernalia, agency, system, mechanism, equipment, tactic, vehicle, intermediary, channel

Examples from the Web for instrumentation

Contemporary Examples of instrumentation

But each time, we change the instrumentation very drastically.
Meet Alexandre Desplat, Hollywood’s Master Composer
Andrew Romano
February 11, 2014
The band sounds more mature, like a fuzzier T. Rex, and the instrumentation here is awe-inspiring.
Best Music Albums of 2011: The Weeknd, Drake, Britney Spears, and More
Marlow Stern
December 31, 2011

Historical Examples of instrumentation

"Just your instrumentation," he explained to the appalled red-headed man.
The Pirates of Ersatz
Murray Leinster
The instrumentation is brilliant and the climax overwhelming.
Contemporary American Composers
Rupert Hughes
It is not pianistic in instrumentation, and will appeal to violinists.
Contemporary American Composers
Rupert Hughes
The instrumentation is ill-balanced, ineffective, thin and noisy.
Wagner as I Knew Him
Ferdinand Christian Wilhelm Praeger
This is true regarding the personality of every voice and instrumentation recorded.
Arguments before the Committee on Patents of the House of Representatives, conjointly with the Senate Committee on Patents, on H.R. 19853, to amend and consolidate the acts respecting copyright
United States Committee on Patents

British Dictionary definitions for instrumentation

instrumentation

noun

the instruments specified in a musical score or arrangement
the arrangement of a piece of music for an orchestra; orchestration
the study of the characteristics of musical instruments
the use of instruments or tools
means; agency

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for instrumentation

"composition and arrangement of music for instruments," 1845, from French instrumentation, from instrument (see instrument + -ation).