instrumentation
Americannoun
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the arranging of music for instruments, especially for an orchestra.
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the list of instruments for which a composition is scored.
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the use of, or work done by, instruments.
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instrumental agency; instrumentality.
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the science of developing, manufacturing, and utilizing instruments, especially those used in science and industry.
noun
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the instruments specified in a musical score or arrangement
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the arrangement of a piece of music for an orchestra; orchestration
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the study of the characteristics of musical instruments
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the use of instruments or tools
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means; agency
Etymology
Origin of instrumentation
1835–45; instrument (v.) + -ation
Vocabulary lists containing instrumentation
Music - Introductory
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Music - Middle School
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Music - High School
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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.
His nimble shifts between tempos and instrumentation reach an early peak on the 8 1/2-minute “Heart of Darkness.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
Throughout their discography, Irreversible Entanglements have seamlessly incorporated electronic elements such as synthesizers and modern postproduction into many of their compositions, which primarily feature otherwise organic instrumentation and textures.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 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
"Here at Penn State, we have modified instrumentation that allows us to make isotopic measurements on really low abundances of organic compounds like glycine," Baczynski said.
From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 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.
