orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈke-strəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
Synonyms of orchestralnext
1
: of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra
2
: suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities
orchestrally
ȯr-ˈke-strə-lē How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
adverb

Examples of orchestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Everything in between is a dream, at least according to Anthony Hopkins, composer of orchestral music. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 For orchestral music, like John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the Miltons prove a solid platform. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 The sound design — marked by silences, ambient natural sounds such as snowfall and birdsong, the unhurried rhythm of speech, and an original score built on tranquil orchestral elements — amplifies the film’s contemplative tone. — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 But what gave me the most challenges, excitement and joy has always been playing, especially orchestral. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestral

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestral was circa 1779

Rhymes for orchestral

See All Rhymes for orchestral

Browse Nearby Words

orchestra circle
orchestral
orchestraless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestral. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

orchestral

adjective
or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈkes-trəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or written for an orchestra

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestral

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for orchestral

Nglish: Translation of orchestral for Spanish Speakers

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