Definition of "instrumental" in English

adjective

1. Essential or central; of great importance or relevance.

   • He was instrumental in conducting the business.

2. Serving as an instrument, medium, means, or agency.

3. (music) Pertaining to, made by, or prepared for an instrument, especially a musical instrument (rather than the human voice).

   • instrumental music
   • an instrumental part

4. (music) A pause in the vocals of a song, usually occurring midway through, in which a musical instrument replaces the vocals.

5. (grammar) Applied to a case expressing means or agency, generally corresponding to the English use of prepositions such as by, with, through, or by means of with the objective case.

   • the instrumental case

noun

1. (grammar) The instrumental case.

2. (music) A composition written or performed without lyrics or singing, using a lead instrument to replace vocals.