symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
Synonyms of symphonynext
1
: consonance of sounds
2
a
: ritornello sense 1
b
: sinfonia sense 1
c(1)
: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra
(2)
: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety
3
: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)
4
a
: symphony orchestra
b
: a symphony orchestra concert
5
: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition
a symphony of flavors

Synonyms of symphony

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Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony
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Davis also performs as a concert artist with leading orchestras and symphonies including the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall, La Scala in Milan and Taipei Arena in Taiwan. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026 When making their ranking, CNN noted the opera, ballet, and symphony, which all add to Sarasota’s rich arts culture and all help this section of Florida earn the name The Culture Coast. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Newspapers are run by them, public school art and music programs rely on them, as do museums, symphonies, ballets and operas. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Xi Jinping’s description of AI development as a symphony, rather than a solo performance, sounds suspiciously like soft-power language, recasting Beijing as the inclusive convenor of countries that Western institutions have often neglected. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for symphony

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symphony was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing symphony

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symphonize
symphony
symphony band
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Cite this Entry

“Symphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symphony. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

symphony

noun
sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
1
: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)
a symphony of sounds in the forest
2
: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
3
: symphony orchestra
Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic

More from Merriam-Webster on symphony

Nglish: Translation of symphony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphony

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