Dictionary

instrumental

adjective in·stru·men·tal \ˌin(t)-strə-ˈmen-təl\

: very important in helping or causing something to happen or be done

music : written for or performed on musical instruments : not including singing

Full Definition of INSTRUMENTAL

1
a :  serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool <was instrumental in organizing the strike>
b :  of, relating to, or done with an instrument or tool
2
:  relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument
3
:  of, relating to, or being a grammatical case or form expressing means or agency
4
:  of or relating to instrumentalism
5
:  operant 3 <instrumental learning> <instrumental conditioning>
instrumental noun
in·stru·men·tal·ly \-təl-ē\ adverb
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First Known Use of INSTRUMENTAL

14th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue
INSTRUMENTALLY Defined for Kids

instrumental

adjective in·stru·men·tal \ˌin-strə-ˈmen-təl\

Definition of INSTRUMENTAL for Kids

1
:  acting to get something done <He was instrumental in organizing the club.>
2
:  relating to or done with an instrument <instrumental navigation>
3
:  played on an instrument rather than sung <instrumental music>
Medical Dictionary

instrumental

adjective in·stru·men·tal \ˌin(t)-strə-ˈment-əl\

Medical Definition of INSTRUMENTAL

:  operant <instrumental learning> <instrumental conditioning>

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