instrumental
adjective
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Definition of instrumental
1a
: 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 sense 3
instrumental learning instrumental conditioning
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Other Words from instrumental
instrumental
noun
instrumentally
\ 藢in(t)-str蓹-藞men-t岬妉-膿
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adverb
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adverb
Examples of instrumental in a Sentence
They played instrumental music at the wedding.
an instrumental version of a song
Recent Examples on the Web
Maplesville鈥檚 defense was instrumental in the win, highlighed by Latrell Wilson鈥檚 sack and interception. — Al.com Reports, al, "Birmingham roundup: Oak Mountain, Mountain Brook earn wins," 24 Aug. 2019 The Serbian was instrumental in the Cottagers promotion campaign of two years ago, scoring 12 goals in 17 games during a wonderful loan spell. — SI.com, "Championship Golden Boot: 10 Players Who Have the Credentials to Finish as Top Goalscorer," 23 Aug. 2019 For example, Leonard writes in his book that the Koch network was instrumental in the growth of climate change denial that continues to shape conservative policy. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, "Who are the Koch brothers and how did David Koch help shape conservatism in America?," 23 Aug. 2019 Photography Advisory Committee members Larry McDaniel of Georges Camera, photographers Todd Argetsinger and Jeanne Wood, and Maureen Robertson, Ramona Sentinel editor, have been instrumental in advancing the photography pathway. — Ramona Sentinel, "Mentors needed to assist Career Technical Education students," 22 Aug. 2019 After teaching at the UCLA law school and conducting research on health policy at the Rand Corp. in California, Mr. Forgotson established a law firm in Washington and was instrumental in lobbying for passage of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. — Washington Post, "Community deaths," 22 Aug. 2019 Keenan was introduced to coach Ed Angelbello who has been instrumental in guiding and helping many girls including his own daughter follow their softball dreams. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Pitching phenom leads 10U club to USSSA All American Games softball title," 22 Aug. 2019 Mayor Stapleton was instrumental in putting Denver on the national map with his advocacy for the airport and is deserving of having his accomplishments recognized in the history of the city. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Trump questions Jewish loyalty; Stapleton decision right; Koch brothers misidentified (8/22/19)," 22 Aug. 2019 Turner, 25, has been instrumental in the surge by the Revolution, who have climbed from the bottom of the Eastern Conference up to sixth. — Seamus Mcavoy, BostonGlobe.com, "Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner agrees to multiyear extension," 21 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'instrumental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for instrumental
instrumental
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of instrumental
: very important in helping or causing something to happen or be done
music
: written for or performed on musical instruments : not including singing
See the full definition for instrumental in the English Language Learners Dictionary
instrumental
adjective
in路stru路men路tal
| \ 藢in-str蓹-藞men-t岬妉
\
\
Kids Definition of instrumental
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
instrumental
adjective
in路stru路men路tal
| \ 藢in(t)-str蓹-藞ment-岬妉
\
\
Medical Definition of instrumental
: operant
instrumental learning instrumental conditioning
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