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Meaning & use

instrument panel

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈɪnstrəmənt ˌpænl/
US/ˈɪnstrəmənt ˌpænl/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    The board in front of a driver or pilot that holds the dials, gauges, and controls for the vehicle.

    Grammar: Countable: one instrument panel, two instrument panels.

    Patterns

    • on the instrument panel
    • the instrument panel of a car
    • check the instrument panel

    A warning light on the instrument panel showed that the engine was overheating.

    The pilot scanned the instrument panel before takeoff.

    He wiped the dust off the instrument panel with a cloth.

  2. nouncountabletechnical

    A flat board or screen in a machine or control room that shows measurements and holds switches.

    Grammar: Same countable use, but for industrial or scientific equipment rather than vehicles.

    Patterns

    • a control instrument panel
    • read the instrument panel

    The engineer checked the instrument panel to monitor the pressure.

    All the readings from the instrument panel were within the normal range.

Word forms

pluralinstrument panels

Common combinations

dashboard
The instrument panel is part of the dashboard in most cars.
warning light on the instrument panel
A red warning light appeared on the instrument panel.
instrument panel display
The new model has a digital instrument panel display.
check the instrument panel
Always check the instrument panel before starting the engine.

Synonyms and how they differ

dashboard
More common in everyday speech for cars; 'instrument panel' is more formal and also used for aircraft and machines.
control panel
Similar but usually refers to a board of switches and buttons, not necessarily with gauges.
console
A broader term for the unit holding controls and displays, often in vehicles or studios.

Word family

instrument noun
A tool or device used for measuring, recording, or playing music.
panel noun
A flat board that forms part of a surface or holds controls.

Commonly confused: instrument panel or dashboard?

instrument panel vs dashboard

In a car, people usually say 'dashboard' for the whole area; 'instrument panel' specifically means the part with the gauges.

Practice

The pilot glanced at the ______ to check the altitude and speed.

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