instrumentation
Americannoun
-
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.
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
Etymology
Origin of instrumentation
1835–45; instrument (v.) + -ation
Vocabulary lists containing instrumentation
Music - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Music - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Music - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The instrumentation we needed doesn't exist in most places," Cathy said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026
Revenue drivers could shift toward structurally growing technology domains, with networking and communications, test and measurement instrumentation and semiconductor-related equipment benefiting from hyperscale data-center expansion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
She retains the delicacy of the instrumentation, but introduces a gorgeous complexity that, in someone else’s hands, would be too much, but here, simply enhances the vocal delivery.
From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026
"Macalla actually means 'echo' in Irish, so we're trying to echo or mirror the instrumentation throughout the group," he told BBC News NI.
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
Lawrence would provide the instrumentation and nurture the new sources of money and patronage needed to make it ever more powerful; Oppenheimer would provide the intellectual bedrock on which Lawrences machinery would stand.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
