orchestra

noun

ˈȯr-kə-strə How to pronounce orchestra (audio)
Definition of orchestranext
as in symphony
a usually large group of musicians playing together the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of orchestra This ever‑evolving cabaret blends jazz‑age vaudeville inspiration with modern arrangements spanning a century of music, backed by an orchestra under Jason Danielson. — Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 12 Aug. 2026 The cello is an instrument most often associated with concert halls, orchestras and chamber music. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 Play a game of golf on a course laid out on the valley floor, visit a concert hall that brings full orchestras into the mountains, or indulge in mountain dining that has quietly earned its Michelin stars. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestra
  1. symphony
  2. philharmonic
Noun
  • The new project on my hard drive focuses not on songs or symphonies but on cruelty, injustice, dishonesty, and the politics of everyday language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Much like a symphony, a biophony comprises complex harmonies and rhythms – performed by an orchestra of birds, animals, insects, plants, as well as wind, water, rocks, and soil.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of symphony
Noun
  • It will be conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, who’s coming on as the philharmonic’s music and artistic director.
    — Stacey Vanek Smith, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But the orchestra couldn’t afford to continue playing there, and the philharmonic moved to cheaper accommodations at nearby First Baptist Church and ultimately the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
    — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 2026
Definition of philharmonic

Phrases Containing orchestra

Browse Nearby Words

orchards
orchestra
orchestral
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Cite this Entry

“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestra. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orchestra

Nglish: Translation of orchestra for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchestra

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