adj

instrumental

ihnst-ruh-MEHN-tuhl

adj

Playing a key or essential role in making something happen.

"She was instrumental in getting the project funded."

Involving or written for musical instruments rather than voice.

"The album's closing track is a purely instrumental piece."

noun

A piece of music performed without vocals.

"The DJ dropped an instrumental version of the hit song."

How to Use Instrumental

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "crucial to a result" or "made of instruments, with no singing."

Common pairings

instrumental in instrumental music play an instrumental

more instrumental comparative, instrumentals plural, most instrumental superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

She was _____ in getting the project funded.

noninstrumental

mental dental rental parental Oriental elemental accidental ornamental judgmental incidental monumental regimental

noninstrumental